Different vineyards. Same techniques. Distinctly individual wines.
12 single vineyard shiraz wines are released today as part of the d’Arenberg Amazing Sites project, and from the scorned 2011 vintage, no less. Is Chester Osborn crazy? Quite possibly. But you cannot deny that he passionately aspires to produce wines that are reflective of their terroir.
In 2012 the Osborn family celebrated 100 years of land ownership and grape growing in McLaren Vale, South Australia, and fourth generation viticulturist and winemaker Chester Osborn showcased this understanding with the release of the Amazing Sites project.
The first release from the 2010 vintage comprised 12 single vineyard shiraz and three grenache wines from three districts in McLaren Vale. The second release from the 2011 vintage consists of 12 single vineyard shiraz.
“Every vineyard has its own individual personality,” Chester said. “Things like soil, geology and age of the vines all impact the flavors of the grapes and the resulting wines.”
“Some vineyards whisper quietly, while others dance into the room demanding your attention. We encourage their personalities to flourish with minimal intervention, both in the vineyard and the winery.”
d’Arenberg does not use fertilizer or herbicide, there is minimal or no irrigation and no soil cultivation. Gentle, time honoured techniques are used in the winery, such as open fermentation, foot treading and basket pressing. Each parcel of fruit receives the same treatment in the winery, and spends 20 months in a mixture of new and used French and old American oak barriques. The result is 12 distinctly individual wines.
Chester said “These 2011 wines are excellent, and already showing the same nuances of difference as the 2010 vintage.” Chester disputes the sweeping statement that the 2011 vintage was a disappointment in all regions. He goes on to say “There has been a lot of generalization about the quality of the 2011 vintage, but when presented with these wines in your glass, you can’t deny their excellence.”
Well known for the interesting and often lengthy names of our wines, the labels feature a colorful vineyard illustration and Chester depicted as a wild pixie in various poses, frolicking among the vines.