A great value, the 2001 d’Arry’s Original Shiraz/Grenache (equal parts of each) exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to a sweet, peppery nose of kirsch liqueur, black currants, licorice, and earth. This richly fruity, nicely textured, plump, hedonistic red will provide immense pleasure over the next 5-6 years. Chester Osborn, the remarkable person behind this enormous array of both impeccably high quality and value-priced wines, deserves considerable accolades for what he is able to achieve at all price ranges. If you love Australian wines, d’Arenberg is a winery to seek out as these offerings all possess abundant soul as well as character. In short, the accolades that proprietor/winemaker Chester Osborn receives not only from The Wine Advocate, but virtually everybody in the wine world, are all well deserved.Importer: Rob McDonald, Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 258-9552

d’Arry’s original shows the best of both varieties–it’s fresh, fun and middleweight, with meaty, plummy flavors more associated with Shiraz. An enjoyable, drink-now wine.——D.T.(5/1/2004)—— 88