Garagiste is a term used to describe the winemakers who operate outside of the strict Appelation Controlee system that defines much of the wine produced in Bordeaux. It is this idea of small batch hands-on processing that Chester d’Arenburg brings to his winemaking.
The Galvo (so named for the old garage shed used for the production) is a classic mix of the four Bordeaux varieties with a nose of dark mulberries, plums, cassis and an underlying whiff of chocolate, cherries and cured meat. The flavours are an impressive display of fruits, with an impressive degree of restraint and elegance on first taste that quickly turns complex and almost overwhelming (in a good way). There is some excellent length on this, with a good mineral acidity and fine tannins pushing it along.
Awards and Accolades
91 Points - Gary Walsh, Wine Front "Muted scents of red berries, cherries, plums, spice, earth, maybe a whiff of herbs, it’s a pleasing jumble of aromas. Chompy texture does well here, good tannin licks throughout, crisp acidity underlying, fruit is reserved but the wine gives good structure. Firm wine of quiet power. "
2011 Vintage: GOLD - China Wine & Spirits Awards, Best Value 2015 2011 Vintage: GOLD - Mundus Vini International Wine Awards
From the Winery
Ample winter and spring rain provided good sub soil moisture and resulted in healthy canopies and good vigour. Summer conditions were very mild. Grapes ripened gracefully with only a few small rain episodes, enough to keep the vines fresh and vibrant. Rainfall was only a little over average for the first months of the year.
Small batches of grapes are gently crushed and then transferred to open fermenters. Foot treading is undertaken two thirds of the way through fermentation, the wine is basket pressed and transferred to a mixture of new and old French oak to complete fermentation. The barrel ferments are aged on lees, there is no racking until final blending and no fining or filtration.
Don't Pay: $32.00
WBW Rating: 93/100
Closure: Stelvin
Region: McLaren Vale, SA
