2000 The Laughing Magpie
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Tasting notes
A new member of d'Arenberg's portfolio is the 2000 The Laughing Magpie (a 95% Shiraz/5% Viognier blend aged completely in French oak). It is a fabulous debut effort. I tasted it just after bottling, so it may be even better once it has had a chance to calm down. An opaque purple color is followed by a soaring nose of blackberry and creme de cassis liqueur intermixed with honeysuckle, pepper, and high class French oak. The wine is explosive on the palate, super rich, full-bodied, voluptuous, and powerful, yet seamless and beautifully balanced with well-integrated tannin, wood, and acidity. It should drink well for 15+ years. Importer: Old Bridge Cellars (Rob McDonald), Napa, CA; tel. (707) 258-9552
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright, full ruby. Expressive aromas of blackberry, violet pastille, shoe polish, licorice and pepper. Dense, rich and nicely concentrated, with a slightly exotic viognier aspect. Finishes with slightly dry, building tannins.