The Sardanapalian Shiraz
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 5–15 years from vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Slow-roasted lamb shoulder, grilled ribeye steak, rich venison stew
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Named after Sardanapalus, the legendary Assyrian king famed for his luxurious and self-indulgent lifestyle, 'The Sardanapalian' is an opulent, voluptuous single-vineyard Shiraz that truly lives up to its moniker. Sourced from the cool, sandy soils of the Blewitt Springs sub-region in McLaren Vale, this wine benefits from ancient vines that produce concentrated, highly aromatic fruit. True to d'Arenberg's traditionalist philosophy, the grapes undergo foot-treading and gentle basket-pressing before maturing in a mixture of new and old French and American oak. The result is a wonderfully decadent, complex red boasting dark berry fruits, exotic spices, and velvety, fine-grained tannins.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Established in 1912 by Joseph Osborn in the heart of McLaren Vale, South Australia, d'Arenberg is a historic, family-owned winery currently guided by fourth-generation winemaker Chester Osborn. Renowned for its traditional, hands-on approach, the estate utilizes very old basket presses and practices foot-treading for all its red wines, maintaining a steadfast commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture. The winery is celebrated for its highly characterful, complex wines with distinctive, quirky names, most notably its flagship 'The Dead Arm' Shiraz, alongside exceptional Grenache and Rhône-style blends. Today, the estate seamlessly blends its rich heritage with avant-garde innovation, epitomized by the iconic d'Arenberg Cube visitor center rising above the ancient vines.