TN: 2001 d'Arenberg 'The Galvo Garage' Cab blend

[wgilson]

Be kind folks - first tasting note.

2001 d'Arenberg 'The Galvo Garage' Cabernet / Merlot / Cabernet Franc
McLaren Vale / Adelaide Hills
14.5% alc

Arrived on my doorstep today courtesy of Langtons. A wine of convenience as I was hoping to drink the '99 Ashton Hills Chardonnay that came in the same shipment - sadly, it was horribly corked.

Whacked this straight into a decanter and the aromas were leaping out at me immediately. I could tell immediately that this was going to be interesting.

To escape the smell of the grilling of tandoori lamb chops, I stepped outside to assess this. The light wasn't great, but looked like a solid ruby red core with no discernable browning. Only very minor rim development. All signs looking positive.

I could smell this from the glass from two paces. Sweet red fruits, strawberries predominant, then rhubarb, dark chocolate veering to Cherry Ripe, followed by a little leathery Cabernet goodness. Faint whiff of violet from the Franc. Everything quite heady and enticing at this stage too.

In the mouth, all of the structural elements in excellent condition. Tannins quite assertive for a a McLaren Cabernet which thrills me to the core. Fruit lagging slightly initially, but with an hour's air this had well and truly shown through. This wine is in excellent condition, and although not a work of staggering genius it is a really delicious, gluggable drop. Very, very happy with this purchase, and glad I didn't share this with my usual drinking buddies. This'll keep going for a few more years too - 2014+.

[Luke W]

Great note - you're a natural