d'Arenberg - The Derelict Vineyard Grenache 2018

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Wine&Spirits

The ancient vines that deliver this grenache were once abandoned and about to be pulled out after fortified wines lost favour, and white varieties took off. Chester Osborn used that moment to buy up these parcels, adding them to his families estate. They now produce grenache that cascades with fruit in 2018, floral and sunny wild strawberry flavours and sweet lavender perfume. Tannins hold tight, so the wine feels refined and juicy at once. This should develop well in the cellar.

James Suckling

Quite often idiosyncratic wine styles from this producer. No change here. Ripe red berry, red liquorice, spice and earth. Bold flavour, and a savoury earthy feel, quite thick with tannin, and interesting to drink. There's perhaps a question mark on how firmly the tannin grips on the finish, but, of course, I don't mind that. It's a good release.


This has a very pure feel with such bright raspberry and red cherry, as well as some lightly perfumed notes. Such vividly appealing fragrance with some blood orange, too. The palate has a long, juicy drive of ripe fruit and delivers a focused, spicy red-fruit core. The tannins are well defined and long. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

Winefront

Quite often idiosyncratic wine styles from this producer. No change here. Ripe red berry, red liquorice, spice and earth. Bold flavour, and a savoury earthy feel, quite thick with tannin, and interesting to drink. There's perhaps a question mark on how firmly the tannin grips on the finish, but, of course, I don't mind that. It's a good release.

James Halliday

It's a strident, structural grenache with a dry, tannic finish. It feels hard to love at first, but as it breathes the fruit slowly mounts a charm offensive. It's pretty handy. In fact it's pretty good. Firm, sandy tannin, bay leaf and floral infusions, and enough red berries/licorice.