2012 d'Arenberg The Sticks and Stones

Community Tasting Notes (3) Avg Score: 90 points

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  1/30/2024 - stayhappy21 wrote: 90 Points

  Brought this to Tunglok Heen for a wine dinner with my wine mates. Theme of the evening: Wines from the Year of the Dragon.
  
  Decanted for 2 hours before consuming. Dark purple in colour and the wine came to life given the generous breathing. Notes of pencil shavings, dark berries, mocha, crushed tobacco, with a soft belly with jelly like texture in the palate.
  
  This is a complex and interesting wine that took me by (pleasant) surprise. Had expected a more straightforward and fruit forward wine but this was outstanding, given the price point and vintage.

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  4/4/2021 - Quaffable Reds Likes this wine: 92 Points

  Tasty drop, packed some punch

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  10/26/2017 - ricard Does not like this wine: 88 Points

  I am still trying to find a Tempranillo made outside of Spain that I think "gets" Tempranillo. The most ambitious efforts are in Australia, and I still don't think they get it. This isn't bad, it just doesn't have Tempranillo "soul", and it doesn't speak to me of McLaren Vale either. I don't think the 30% Grenache in this blend is helping, either. It has an unusual nose which I can't quite place as either of the two component varieties, it's very tannic and does feel experimental all over, as if it lacked a clear sense of purpose. I am trying hard to like it... The vines are just 10 years old. I want someone to make a great Tempranillo in Australia. I would suggest growers go for Toro as their model, and make it in a really hot and dry region, rather than Rioja. They might get something sensational. Sadly this one isn't it, and McLaren Vale isn't going to be that region. Margaret River?

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