d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz 2017  £35.20

D'ARENBERG THE DEAD ARM SHIRAZ 

Since 1912 the Osborn family have grown grapes and made wine in the picturesque surrounds of McLaren Vale. Today fourth generation family member Chester Osborn is at the winemaking helm, making distinctive wines using traditional methods in the winery and the vineyard.

Decanting this wine is highly recommended to allow it to reach its true potential. Initially, our senses are flooded with an array of savoury, earthy notes. Shiitake mushrooms, roasted meats and modelling clay. Slowly as the air permeates through the wine, the savoury layers are peeled away revealing a wealth of sweet black fruits. The palate is similarly laden with blackberry, plum and mulberry flavours. The sweetness is offset by a raft of woody spices and umami character. Superbly rich and supported by a core of slatey, crushed rock-like tannins, this is a wine that will reward patience. 

While enjoyable in youth, this wine will reach its full potential with bottle age up to at least 20 years. The considerable structure and depth will ensure that the fruit characters will develop over time revealing more complexity and providing immense interest. This wine is best stored in an environment free of direct sunlight and with consistent temperatures between 10°C and 15°C.

Try with Beef Wellington or Indian barbecue rack of lamb and jalfrezi lamb shoulder.

The Real Review: 95 points

Deep, dense purple/red colour, with concentrated chocolate and plum aromas and flavours, a fair degree of oak but not overdone, and a trace of reduction on the early nose. Dense, powerful, concentrated but all things in harmony. A biggie but a goodie. 

Huon Hooke

Wine Companion: 90 Points

A fine spread of tannin and lingering length, but charm has been left at the door. Resin, stressed herb, alcohol warmth and baked plum flavours form the mainstay of the wine, and while it's hefty, it's a long way from being a peak release for this label.

Campbell Mattinson