The F.E. Osborn & Sons Old Bean Truck McLaren Vale Shiraz 2022 pays homage to Francis Earnest Osborn, grandfather of d’Arenberg’s Chief Winemaker Chester Osborn, who once transported grapes in his trusty old Bean truck—a symbol of the family’s enduring connection to the vineyards. While the truck is long retired, the winery he built in the late 1920s continues to service the historic estate, and this Shiraz reflects that same spirit of heritage and resilience. The 2022 growing season began with strong winter and early spring rains that set the vines up beautifully, followed by a colder-than-average November and a dry December. January brought a timely 33mm of rain, and the mild, stable conditions through February, March and April allowed exceptional ripening. Thick, crunchy skins and pristine fruit led winemakers to pull juice off the skins slightly sweeter than usual to achieve ideal balance and texture—resulting in reds considered among the finest produced in years.

Immediately generous yet capable of evolving for a further five years, this Shiraz is a fruit-driven expression of McLaren Vale, brimming with plum, blackberry and an underlying earthy complexity. The palate is intense, juicy and richly flavoured, wrapped in ripe, chewy tannins that deliver both structure and approachability. Its round, proud fruit profile sits harmoniously with its savoury lift, creating a wine that is expressive, comforting and unmistakably McLaren Vale.

This style pairs beautifully with chargrilled lamb cutlets, peppered steak, slow-roasted beef brisket, smoky barbecued ribs, hearty stews or even a rich mushroom casserole. Its plush fruit and balanced tannins also complement aged cheddar, truffle-infused dishes and dark chocolate desserts.