In 1912, Joseph Osborn made the difficult decision to sell his most prized horse, Footbolt, to purchase what is now the d’Arenberg property. I’ve no idea how hard it must have been but, dare I say it, I’m glad he did.
This wine is named in honour of Footbolt.
The cellar door at d’Arenberg is a terrific experience. If you are driving, make sure you spit most of what you taste because they allow you to try every wine in their portfolio. Yep, every single one. My memory is a bit hazy but, I think there were a ‘million’ of them.
The make up of this wine can have fruit from vines up to 100 years old. Now, I heard a saying once that went something like, “The vines aren’t good because they are old. They are old because they are good”, and d’Arenberg must have some very good grape vines.
Sometimes I wonder how my mind works but, if you put lots of freshly picked blackberries, blueberries and blood plums into a bowl of full cream vanilla ice cream into a bowl, then a squirt of chocolate ice magic over the top, that about sums this wine up. It is just so (dark) fruity, creamy and a little chocolatey.
I used to buy this wine regularly because of what you get for such a small price and I have no idea why I haven’t done so lately. I will have to change that. Great value.
Region: McLaren Vale Price: $18 Source: Wine Show box (purchased)
Words from a Wine Glass 