d'Arenberg 'The Cenosilicaphobic Cat' 2007 unique blend of Sagrantino & Cinsault
Tasting
Notes
11/9/11
The fear of the empty glass, relates to a cat that had a strong affinity to red wine. So it had to be closely watched and weaned of its ways. As with many of d’Arenberg’s wines an appropriate name was brought to fruition for this wine that combines two distinctive varietals, Sagrantino, whose origins can be traced to central Italy and Cinsault, whose origins derive from the south of France. Both varietals finding a welcoming home in McLaren Vale’s Mediterranean climate.
This isn’t a big wine in terms of the possibilities that one can get out of the Vale. Here there is a nice earthy, terroir driven style, some smoky inflections and subtle game notes which mess nicely into the dark cherry fruit. The tannins and acidity bring nice balance to the equation, the tannins on the finish screaming out for grilled meats with a little bit of fat content. This should hold up nicely over the next 4-5 years quite easily.
Awards,
Reviews and other Notes
89 pts Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Jul/Aug 2009
(a 91/9 blend) Ruby-red. Smoky red and dark berry aromas, with gentle cured meat and floral accents. Juicy cherry and cassis flavors are framed by pliant tannins, becoming sweeter with air and finishing with good dusty grip and focus. I like the balance of this gently structured midweight.
