2016 d'Arenberg Shiraz The Dead Arm
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Tasting notes
Saturated ruby. A highly perfumed, spice-accented bouquet evokes ripe dark fruits, pipe tobacco, mocha and candied flowers. Palate-staining blueberry, cherry liqueur, licorice and fruitcake flavors show excellent depth as well as vibrancy. The floral and spice notes return on the impressively long, focused finish, which is framed by smooth, late-arriving tannins.
Critic scores
Alistair Cooper MW, jancisrobinson.com
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The deeply colored, intensely extracted 2016 The Dead Arm Shiraz boasts gentle cedary aromas underlain by brooding dark berries. Rich, concentrated and full-bodied, it's densely textured and packed with notes of blackberries, asphalt, black olives and dried spices. The oak is always in the background and actually adds an element of freshness to a wine that might otherwise seem heavy. The wine's considerable tannins are fine-grained and should soften nicely with age, as they already turn almost silky on the finish. Cellar this outstanding effort for 3-4 years and drink it over the next couple of decades.
Powerful nose – oaky, creamy and dark brooding spice. Nicely tuned and firm tannins add good grip to a saline-dominated palate with dark cherries and sweet spice. I like the firmness and structure here. (AC)
Impressive richness and depth from the outset here. The nose has rich dark-plum, chocolate and earth aromas with such poise and richness. The palate is full-bodied with saturated plums and blackberries. Long, ribbony tannins. Drink or hold. Screw cap.