d'Arenberg d'Arry's Original McLaren Vale Shiraz Grenache, 1994

For years, this wine was known as dArenberg Burgundy but it is really an Australian Chateauneuf du Pape, produced from Shiraz and Grenache grapes and aged in large seasoned oak barrels that give a rich, smooth texture. d'Arry, for many years a winemaker at the estate, always recommended long-term aging, and I think it was good advice.

The color is a dusty brick red. Earthy old wine bouquet of dried fruit and leather. Sweeter and less savory than a Chateauneuf du Pape but rich and smooth on the palate. Laid back personality. This vintage has 51% Shiraz and 49% Grenache. Shiraz black fruit is dominant but Grenache adds a sweet red berry touch. Not as much personality as Grenache from Chateauneuf du Pape but appealing in its own way.

Modern winemaking may have influenced later bottlings of d'Arry's Original, but, at $14 to $16 a bottle,  it is still one of the best values in the d'Arenberg line.