One of the most important wineries in McLaren Vale, d'Arenberg, was founded in 1912 when Joseph Osborn sold his stable of prize-winning horses to purchase the property that now houses the winery. Joseph's son, Frank, joined him on the land, and they began acquiring more vineyards. Joseph Osborn died in 1921, leaving full control of the business to Frank. In the early years, grapes were sold to other wineries before the winery was built in 1927. The winery has been passed down through generations and has grown enormously over the years. They produce distinctive wines using traditional methods, both in the vineyard and in the winery.
The label originated from the rumor that the inventor of the Stump Jump plow, which allowed a plowshare to jump over tree roots, had poor eyesight and needed regular tests to ensure he could still operate machinery. Hence, an eye test on the label, similar to the ones you'd find at an optician's. It's a classic test with black letters on a white field, with the text gradually getting smaller. If you can still read the text with an outstretched arm, feel free to pour yourself another drink. If you can no longer see what it says, it's time for bed.
The grapes are gently crushed after harvest, fermented under controlled temperatures, and pressed before bottling. The result is a beautifully fruity Chardonnay with aromas of peach, nectarine, melon, and citrus, with a subtle influence of old oak. The palate is medium-bodied with well-integrated acidity and a velvety smooth mouthfeel. The finish, though dry and long, retains some of those stone fruit characters throughout the glass.
