A medium to full bodied colour and density. Aromas of red cherry, spice and earthy edges. Mid weight palate with some Cabernet Sauvignon cedar up front that leads to soft Shiraz richness. The oak regime is mainly older American and French so limited impact although some vanillin on both nose and palate with a long sweet finish.

The wine is a blend of two grape varieties from three vineyards in the Barossa Valley. Both the Shiraz and Carignan are from the Calabria Family’s ‘William’ Vineyard in Nuriootpa. Dark purple with deep red core. Black currant aromas with hints of savoury spicy oak, liquorice, dark cherry, blood plums and lavender. A dense dark fruit core, the wine dances across the palate with dark chocolate flavours and savoury oak with ripe fine grained tannins, serious yet finely balance.

Enjoy with Confit Duck with seasonal vegetables.

The Original exhibits all the hallmarks of this traditional d’Arenberg blend of shiraz and grenache. Immediately on the nose we are struck by a complex array of dark, sweet and savoury notes. Plums, liquorice, nutmeg and a subtle hint of cedar. The flavour profile develops in glass, initially appearing quite tight, then gently opening up with luscious mulberry and plum, laced with exotic soil like notes and cured meats. Simply put, this wine is exceptional value and gives as much pleasure in youth as it will with six to 10 years age behind it.

The Heathcote Ridge Vineyard produces some of the most compelling and perfumed Grenache I have seen giving the blend charm and perfume. A little addition of Willoughby Mourvedre gives the classic earthern characters of the variety.