d’ARENBERG d’ARRY’S ORIGINAL GRENACHE / SHIRAZ 2021

God Medal – New Zealand International Wine Show 2023

We reckon d'Arenberg are not only the masters of great wine names, but of having some of the best value/quality around. There are no shortcuts taken in the production of any of the wines – low yields, foot trodden, basket pressed all make for seriously good wines.

This was first wine under the d’Arenberg label and first released in 1959. Named "d’Arenberg Burgundy" until 1993, when it became d’Arry’s Original. This is a wine that delivers plenty – This was aptly described it as ‘a ball of deliciousness’ at our d'Arenberg tasting. It has the sweet brown spiciness of Grenache wrapped in the earthy, plummy Shiraz. It is a wine that ‘flows’ through the palate.

Winery notes (2021 Vintage)
"First released in 1993, this wine was renamed d'Arry's Original in honour of third generation family member Francis d'Arenberg Osborn, universally known as d'Arry, to honour his lifelong services to the wine industry.

Small batches of grapes are gently crushed and then transferred to five tonne headed down open fermenters. These batches remain separate until final blending. Foot treading is undertaken two thirds of the way through fermentation. The wine is then basket pressed and transferred to a mixture of new and used French oak barriques to complete fermentation. The barrel ferments are aged on lees, and there is no racking until f inal blending. This wine does not undertake f ining or filtration prior to bottling.

A d’Arenberg classic, perfect for every occasion. Highly aromatic, with pretty red fruits and exotic spice. Dark and vibrant ruby red colour with a perfumed bouquet of red and black berries. The palate is medium bodied and delicious, showing wild strawberry, dried cranberry and rhubarb f lavours. There’s some nice dried herb and baking spice nuances to this wine. Fine and velvety tannins are supported by decent amounts of acidity. An extremely savoury and long finish makes this wine irresistible."

93/100 Ray Jordan, WinePilot.com, September 2024 (2021 Vintage)
"A mighty good year is perfectly reflected in this famous wine, a tribute over many years to one of the real characters of the wine industry. It’s a tried-and-true blend from McLaren Vale offering generous plush red fruit flavours with a slightly dusty dried herb influence offsetting. There is plenty of density in the middle palate which carries effortlessly to a sustained finish."

90/100 JamesSuckling.com, March 2025 (2021 Vintage)
"Fruity, mellow and joyful, this blend of shiraz and grenache shows aromas of currants, wild herbs and dried flowers. Medium-bodied with melty tannins. Fruit-forward and easygoing, with a satisfying finish."

90/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review, July 2024 (2021 Vintage)
"Deep, bright red-purple colour with an intense dark-fruit aroma laced with a lift of volatile acidity, or possibly just alcohol. There's vanilla and chocolate, too, while the mouth-feel is dense and rich, the tannins ample if not exactly refined. A massive amount of red wine for the price."