The Ironstone Pressings is named because most of McLaren Vale’s acclaimed and historic vineyards are impregnated with ancient, decomposed laterite granite known as ironstone. Its extraordinary rusty red-brown colour is derived from the iron oxides present in the stone. The larger pieces were cleared from the vineyards in the late 1880s and utilised in many of the buildings at d’Arenberg, most notably the old stables.
The 2017 vintage is an aromatic wonder, initially, the nose is dominated by fragrant red fruits over spices and liquorice/earthy notes. As it breathes more obvious notes of loganberries, cranberry and mulberry fruits with maraschino cherry, dark chocolate and intense plum notes. There is an impressive background of fine-grain, cedary oak notes. The palate is immense and beautifully structured with complex layers of exotic fruit flavours mixed with silky fine acidity. The mineral edged tannins are superb, almost elegant. Ripe red-fleshed cherries and dark ripe plums, spice and bell peppers are mixed with summer flowers. Dried herbs such as jasmine & lavender linger on and on; the finish has excellent intensity. Let it sit in a decanter and a continuous stream of characters will evolve.
While enjoyable in youth, this wine will reach its full potential with bottle age up to at least 20 years. The considerable structure and depth will ensure that the fruit characters will develop over time revealing more complexity and providing immense interest.
