2008 d'Arenberg The Sticks and Stones Tempranillo Shiraz Tinta Cao Souzao

This wine is a very interesting blend from the ever increasing d'Arenberg stables, the 'Sticks and Stones' is a blend of Tempranillo (47%), Shiraz(23%), Tinta Cao (15%), and Souzao (15%).

The wine is a deep red, with a slight purple hue in colour, having aromas of dried meats, dark cherry and earth on the nose; the use of older oak in this case really lets the quality of the fruit shine.

The palate has depth of savoury dark cherry and plum fruits, the tannins are drying and mouth filling, with balanced acidity accentuating the wines meaty / earthy characters.

The finish shows old leather and dark fruits, with the 2008 to continue to evolve over the next 10 years.