In 2012, d’Arenberg celebrated 100 years of family ownership. Established in 1912 by Joseph Osborn, the d’Arenberg story began with the purchase of a picturesque property atop one of the rolling hills of McLaren Vale. d’Arenberg now exports to over sixty countries and is one of Australia’s most revered wineries, with two wines in the Langton’s Classification of Australia Wine and a top rating in the Australian Wine Companion. Leading the celebrations in 2012 is the current Managing Director, 84 year old d’Arry Osborn OAM.

A lodestar is something on which your attention is fixed, and the piceous, pitch black nature of this wine is certain to keep your focus until the bottle is finished.

All the usual deep colour and ripe fruit aromas and flavours, but in addition polished tannins frame the fruit in an unexpected way. There are bright nuances, even elegance, that the other d'Arenberg wines don't have. It's probably the particular vineyard speaking. Drink to: 2043; Date Tasted: Feb 2017; Alcohol: 14.8%; Rating: 96 Points; James Halliday Wine Companion