d'Arenberg The Love Grass Shiraz 2021

d'Arenberg The Love Grass Shiraz showcases aromatic, dark-fruited McLaren Vale Shiraz with plenty of personality, presenting boysenberry, mulberry, ripe plum and bramble alongside hints of anise and vanilla. The palate has real depth and a firm, youthful tannin grip, so a little air will do it no harm. The name comes from the sticky lovegrass weed that clings to vineyard workers' socks, and there is a similarly persistent quality to the wine. A characterful South Australian red for lovers of structured Shiraz, particularly good alongside slow-cooked lamb shoulder or beef short ribs.

What the winery says:

The 2021 is highly aromatic and opens up further with time in the glass, revealing deep red and dark fruits including boysenberry, mulberry, ripe plum and bramble, with anise and vanilla adding complexity. Small batches of grapes are gently crushed into open fermenters, with foot treading carried out two-thirds of the way through fermentation. The wine is then basket pressed and matured in French oak for up to 18 months. Its firm, grippy tannins are expected to soften with extended cellaring.

What the experts say:

Marcus Ellis, Halliday Wine Companion, 84 Points (2021)
“The cool year gives the fruit here an appealing pitch, with a red-berried lean and some spice notes.”