Ironstone Pressings GSM 2018 by d’Arenberg is the kind of wine you’ll recognize the moment it’s near. Its aromas practically pull you in — and once you take a sip, get ready for fireworks. Yes, it’s elegant. Yes, it’s expressive. Yes, it’s bursting with fruit. And yes, it’s drinking beautifully right now. A textbook example of McLaren Vale’s iconic reds, with top scores from James Suckling (96 pts), Robert Parker (90pts), Wine Enthusiast, and Wine Spectator. Honestly, we wouldn’t expect anything less.
Founded in 1912 by Joseph Osborn in the picturesque McLaren Vale of South Australia, d’Arenberg is now run by the fourth generation, Chester Osborn. The winery has made waves with its expressive wines, crafted using certified organic and biodynamic methods. As a founding member of Australia’s First Families of Wine, d’Arenberg is also a sustainability leader — reducing plastic use by 70% and running entirely on solar power. Today, they farm around 110 acres, including prized old vines like Grenache over 100 years old. And as for their Shiraz — well, you already know the story there.
So what happens when 70% Grenache, 25% Shiraz, and 5% Mourvèdre come together Ironstone Pressings GSM 2018 – D'Arenberg? Magic. The grapes are fermented separately in small open fermenters to preserve each variety’s character. They’re then basket-pressed and even foot-trodden — yes, the old-school way — to extract deep color and fine tannins. The wine finishes fermentation in a mix of new and old French oak barrels, where it matures for about 18 months. The result is a wine that masterfully captures the essence of all three grapes in a complex, powerful, and beautifully layered expression.
And the name? It’s no coincidence. It comes from the iron-rich soils of the vineyard that shape the wine’s bold personality. As for aging potential — think 10+ years without hesitation. But honestly? You’ll want to try it now.
