d'Arenberg

Nothing, they say, succeeds like success. Few operations in Australia fit this dictum better than d'Arenberg, which has kept its 100+-year-old heritage while moving into the 21st century with flair and elan. At last count the d'Arenberg vineyards, at various locations, have 37 varieties planted, as well as more than 50 growers in McLaren Vale. There is no question that its past, present and future revolve around its considerable portfolio of richly robed red wines, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and grenache being the cornerstones. The quality of the wines is unimpeachable, the prices logical and fair. It has a profile in both the UK and the US that far larger companies would love to have. d'Arenberg celebrated 100 years of family grapegrowing in '12 on the property that houses the winery, and the iconic cube cellar door and restaurant. A founding member of Australia's First Families of Wine. Unfortunately the wines submitted for this edition disappeared; Campbell Mattinson's tasting notes for the resubmission of the wines appear on www.winecompanion.com.au. Exports to all major markets.