2021 d’Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz

Joseph Osborn was a successful racehorse owner and Footbolt was the pride of his stable. In 1912 he made the hard decision to sell his horses to purchase the d’Arenberg property.
Matured in a mixture of new and used French oak barriques for a period of 12-18 months. Inky black heart with a deep black dark red hue. Nosing offers up blackberry and liquorice aromas infused with a mix of graphite and peppered meats followed by earth and hints of spicy vanillin cedar. Generous blackberry and liquorice fruits adorn the medium to full bodied palate with some earthy graphite, blackpepper and smoky vanillin cedar elements lying underneath. Slightly chalky tannins combine with bright acidity. Finishes tightly wound yet generously fruited and peppery.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews….
This outstanding value for money Shiraz from McLaren Vale gets quite a deal of winemaking involvement, including the old-fashioned foot stomping part way through fermentation. It’s soft and immensely flavoursome with dark plummy blackberry nuances throughout. The use of basket presses contributes to its soft plush feel while the oak influence is carefully understated with a just a little spicy new oak lift. Drink 2023-2031.
92 points
Ray Jordan – WinePilot.com