d'Arenberg 2021 The Footbolt Shiraz

 
At a time when many wine drinkers are watching their pennies, here is a classic bright and juicy McLaren Vale red that offers good drinking at a very fair price. If you are planning a barbecue, or having a few mates around, then this ripe and very slurpable red will certainly deliver. It is medium-bodied + with dark plummy and berry fruits, just a hint of spice and with restrained oak. It finishes soft and smooth and was a very complementary companion to a midweek steak and kidney pie. It would probably cellar well over the next decade but I'd be necking a bottle now, while it is still vibrantly fruity. Should you be wondering, Footbolt was a racehorse owned by Joseph Osborn over 100 years ago. He was sold so the family could purchase the d'Arenberg property, which they own to this day. $22. www.darenberg.com.au