2016 d'Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz, McLaren Vale

BEHIND THE NAME

Dead Arm is a vine disease caused by the fungus Eutypa Lata that randomly affects vineyards all over the world. One half, or an ‘arm’ of the vine slowly becomes reduced to dead wood. That side may be lifeless and brittle, but the grapes on the other side display amazing intensity

This iconic wine always displays the power and intensity of McLaren Vale Shiraz, yet has an elegance and refinement that few other wines from the region possess. It’s vibrant and lifted on the nose with bustling red fruits and savoury spice. The palate is long, linear and pure with tightly wound tannin and mouth-watering acidity. Beneath the layers of blueberry, pomegranate and Satsuma Plum is an intriguing core of earth and crushed rocks. If stored correctly, this wine should age for 15+ years.

Inky, thick and tannic, raw power, intense purpleness, Ripe blackberry, dark chocolate, blackberry, plum and tar. Shows some slightly thinning alcohol influence, but more or less has the weight to carry it through. Finish is good and long, rugged tannin, some raspberry freshness, and hazelnut skin. Needs a few years, of course, though a bit of a brute right now.