d’Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz 2019 (6 Bottles) McLaren Vale, Australia

d’Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz 2019 from McLaren Vale is a powerful and tightly structured expression of old-vine shiraz, crafted with the estate’s signature traditional techniques. The nose is intense, offering blackberry, black plum and mulberry layered with dried herbs, licorice, cocoa and earthy spice. The palate is richly concentrated, delivering dense dark fruit wrapped in firm, sinewy tannins and a subtle mineral edge that brings precision. Notes of smoked meat and well-seasoned oak add depth without overshadowing the fruit’s purity. The finish is long, savoury and confidently built for extended cellaring, rewarding patience over the next 12 to 15 years. Recent releases typically attract strong critical acclaim, though no specific scores for 2019 were available at review.

“An opaque purple/maroon hue, the nose exhibits notes of chocolate, licorice, bergamot, blackcurrants, coffee grinds, cold tea and beef stock. The oak integration has been handled in the most exemplary manner. This is youthful, rich, powerful and bold with big flavours. Ideal for those who love big, ripe, concentrated wines, even when they are still young. Serious length is on display here with good balance, fresh acidity, firm tannins and intensity which runs for the full length of the wine. This will drink well for the next ten to fifteen years.”

95/100 Ken Gargett, WinePilot.com, September 2024 

“Bright fruit characters are evident immediately from the first engagement. On the nose, savoury spicy plum and dried herb and sage combination burst open. And then a palate that is deeply intense and opulently smooth starts to reveal its best qualities. Has a chalky dusty thread with a little crushed rock influence. It’s quite dry on the finish after the richness of the middle palate.”

95/100 Ray Jordan,  WinePilot.com, September 2024