The Wine Gift Shop

Red Wine by d'Arenberg from McLaren Vale, Australia. In its youth, d'Arenberg's The Ironstone Pressings has a deep, dark plum-purple color matched by just as intense black cherry, spice, plum, strawberry, a little liquorice and brooding blackcurrant aromas. Mulberry, ripe plum and fresh pepper dominate the rich full-bodied palate before a long, intense, rolling, dark cherry spice and gritty tannin finish. Eventually, the Grenache and Shiraz blossom as rich, sweet, violet-like scents, with spicy based aroma, before malty, sweet, dark chocolate flavors and crunchy, chewy textured black olive, spicy ginger and long fleshy textures. The Mourvedre adds dried herbs and iodine characters, which are very persistent, matched with slightly chalky tannins. The hallmark of vigorous, fine piquant tannin and acidity continue to reside with The Ironstone Pressings after some considerable time, as have previous vintages since the late 1950's.

Red Wine by d'Arenberg from McLaren Vale, Australia. The Osborns are proud to release The Stump Jump range of premium McLaren Vale wines, named after the region's old vineyards which were originally cleared using the Stump Jump plough. This South Australian invention enabled the ploughshare to jump over the gnarled mallee Eucalypt roots, saving valuable time and resources. The 2006 vintage was one of the most condensed vintages experienced at d'Arenberg and one of the best ever. After a dry winter, heavy rains in spring allowed for consistent flowering and veraison with almost no interruptions. Eventually, warmer conditions prevailed which was ideal for enhancing fragrance and producing wonderful levels of natural acidity and flavor intensity. The 2006 Stump Jump Red is bright red in appearance with an aromatic nose of ripe, juicy red fruits, dominated with cranberries and loganberries, spice, cardamom, green pepper and a hint of earthy herbal notes. The palate is rich and ripe with mulberries, plums, white chocolate, and spices balanced by ripe tannins. The finish is soft and balanced with savory edges and lively acidity. A pleasure to drink now or cellar over the next 3-5 years.

Red Wine by Kangarilla Road from McLaren Vale, Australia. Aromas of lifted spice with ripe dark berry and light conserve fruit balanced with integrated oak. This extraordinary wine has long, full, integrated flavor with spice, dark fruits and finishes with an abundance of soft tannins. The 2005 vintage followed good soaking rains during the prior 2004 winter. The gentle Spring yielded excellent bud burst, early shoot growth and full canopies, creating optimum ripening conditions. The summer of 2005 brought mild, daytime temperatures and typical, cool nights. The resultant wines show intense fruit and excellent balancing acidity. As far as good vintage years go, 2005 will be remembered as one of the truly great ones.

Red Wine by Yangarra Estate from McLaren Vale, Australia. Blend: 47% Grenache, 41% Shiraz, 12% Mourvedre This blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre is typically silky smooth, with nuts, dark cherries, and plums a plenty, the plush palate gradually tapering off to a lingering finish. A complex, rich and powerful wine! -Peter Fraser, Winemaker