McLaren Vale is one of Australia's oldest wine regions, specialising in Shiraz, Cabernet and Grenache grapes. d'Arenberg is an old winery in the district, but its current fourth generation family winemaker Chester Osborn is responsible for setting new directions that have given the label a whole new level of recognition. It's a winery destination we didn't want to miss this visit!
For one thing it was Chester who dreamed up this Rubik's cube inspired five story building for the d'Arenberg estate, "The Cube", which opened in 2017. It houses tasting rooms, a restaurant and an art gallery. You can't miss it!
We did everything in our extended visit today - marvelling at Chester's whacky Alternate Realities Museum and taking a slightly cynical view of the very commercial exhibition of Salvador Dali (high class) reproductions and associated retail opportunities in the "art gallery".
The highlights were our excellent (and comprehensive) tasting experience of Chester's quirkily named (but beautifully made) wine styles and our fabulous lunch at Singapore Circus on the 4th floor level (formerly named Polly's!).
We had the Chef's tasting menu which included delicious Asian fusion flavours highlighting braised pork belly, mussels and local cockles, quail and King Island oysters. We all agreed it was the best meal we had eaten at a restaurant in a very long time. We had a selection of petit fours for dessert - the absolute favourite was the black garlic, miso fudge (with gold dusting) - an amazing meal accompanied by a beautiful glass of d'Arenberg d'Arry's Original Grenache Shiraz.
An unforgettable meal and setting, in great company!
Every aspect of The Cube has been influenced by Chester Osborn's whacky, surreal sensibility. These were the urinals in the male toilets (photo credit: Rob)
It was another wet, windy, cold day today (again!) but the McLaren Vale vineyards still looked beautiful under the weight of the regular downpours. The vines are only just beginning to sprout.
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