Wine Advisor
D'Arenberg, The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
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Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
One of South Australia's most brilliant Cabernets is d'Arenberg's 1999 The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon. A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 100% new French oak for 22 months, it boasts an opaque purple color as well as an extraordinary bouquet of creme de cassis, lead pencil, new saddle leather, and spice box aromas. There is great depth, fabulous purity, full body, and superbly integrated tannin as well as acidity. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020. A classic! Importer: Rob McDonald, Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 258-9552
About the Producer
d’Arenberg is one of the undisputed masters of Australian Shiraz and other Rhone varieties that have historically defined the region. A century on, their vineyards have grown to some 450 acres in McLaren Vale, including Shiraz dating back to d’Arenberg’s first plantings, and nearly one-third of McLaren Vale’s old bush-vine Grenache. Fourth generation winemaker, Chester Osborn, recently converted all of the family’s vineyards to organics and biodynamics and moved to solar energy in the winery. All the while, in terms of winemaking, not much has changed–all the wines are basket-pressed, the reds foot-trodden during fermentation; everything is done in small batches, leading to an impressive array of bottlings every year, each showing a different facet of McLaren Vale terroir. Having been inducted into Wine & Spirits magazine’s Hall of Fame for earning a place on its Top 100 Wineries ten times, this accolade is a reflection of d’Arenberg’s revered reputation worldwide.
