The Old Blokes & The Three Young Blondes
⏳ Drinking Window
2023 - 2032
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Slow-roasted lamb shoulder, Peking duck, wild mushroom risotto
✨ Technical Specifications
Named with d'Arenberg's signature eccentric wit, 'The Old Blokes & The Three Young Blondes' is a highly characterful red blend from McLaren Vale. The 'Old Blokes' refers to the ancient, gnarly Shiraz and Grenache vines that form the robust, dark-fruited backbone of the wine. In contrast, the 'Three Young Blondes' represents three white Rhône varieties—Roussanne, Viognier, and Marsanne—which are blended in small proportions to lift the aromatics, add silkiness, and soften the structure. This traditional yet innovative technique, reminiscent of Côte-Rôtie but with a distinct South Australian twist, yields a wine of remarkable complexity. Gently basket-pressed and foot-trodden in open fermenters, it showcases a rich tapestry of dark plum, fragrant stone fruit, exotic spice, and fine-grained tannins, reflecting the maritime-influenced soils of the region.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 1912 by Joseph Osborn, d'Arenberg stands as an iconic pillar of McLaren Vale viticulture, stewarded today by fourth-generation chief winemaker Chester Osborn. The estate spans undulating coastal landscapes influenced by the moderating maritime winds of the Gulf St Vincent, resting upon complex, ancient geologies ranging from calcareous Terra Rossa to sandy loam and weathered limestone. Viticulture is rigorous and certified organic and biodynamic across all estate-owned and leased vineyards. While renowned for formidable Rhone-style reds, d'Arenberg's white winemaking upholds identical artisanal rigor: gentle whole-bunch basket pressing ensures minimal phenolics and purity of expression. From the racy, textural The Money Spider Roussanne and crisp The Dry Dam Riesling to the lusciously layered botrytised expressions The Noble Semillon and The Noble Botryotinia Fuckeliana, the wines epitomize balance, crystalline minerality, and vibrant natural acidity.
🍇 Grapes
Shiraz, Grenache, Roussanne, Viognier, Marsanne
🍷 ABV
14.5%