Tasting Notes Download PDF's • 2003 • 2002

Region
South Australia

Variety
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Petit Verdot
Cabernet France

Tasting Notes
Upon release, d’Arenberg’s Galvo Garage has a deep, vibrant red-purple color. The nose shows a complex array of blackcurrant, cassis, compost, mulberries, dark plums, cherries and cut flower stems. Subtle spices of cinnamon, nutmeg and cedar add complexity and show a potential for the wine to open more with time.

The wide array of fruits are seen immediately upon tasting and flow elegantly across the mouth in a silky way, gradually tightening in dark, fragrant, compost and lively, dark-berry fruit tannins. The Bordeaux-like tannins are fine and plentiful, with an abundance of intertwined fragrant fruit hanging in the mouth well after the wine has been consumed. A very refreshing but classically styled wine that should age gracefully for many years.

As the wine ages, the fruit character will develop and become beautifully truffled with cigarbox flavors, while maintaining the compost and dark fragrant fruits. The fine tannins will become subtler, making the fruit character even more prominent.

Background
Since 1912, the Osborn family has tended the 19th century vineyards located in McLaren Vale, South Australia. The inspiration behind this wine, the so-called “garage wines”, are from the home of the classic grape varieties used in this blend. They are produced in the back shed or “garage” of boutique winemakers dedicated to making small-volume wines of the highest quality.

d’Arenberg’s galvanized, corrugated garage was built in 1927, and, to this day, houses their traditional open fermenters and 19th century basket presses used in the handcrafting of this wine.

Accolades

2003

Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate
Issue 161
90 pts

2002

Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate
October 2004/Issue 155
91 pts

2001

Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate
October 2002/Issue 143
88-90 pts