d'Arenberg Footbolt Shiraz (75cl, 14.5%)

A McLaren Vale Shiraz from d'Arenberg, foot-trodden during fermentation and basket pressed. Two-thirds through fermentation the grapes are foot-trodden, then the wine ages for 12 to 18 months in a mix of new and used French oak barrels. It is bottled at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The nose shows dark plum, boysenberry, black pepper, licorice, sage and bay leaf. The palate is rich with black plum, blackberry, boysenberry, savory spice, mocha, red cherry, cedar and menthol. The finish is medium-long with firm yet polished tannins, dark chocolate and black pepper.