2003 d'Arenberg Shiraz The Dead Arm |
| Vintage | 2003 |  | |
| Type | Red | ||
| Producer | d'Arenberg (web) | ||
| Variety | Shiraz | ||
| Designation | The Dead Arm | ||
| Vineyard | n/a | ||
| Country | Australia | ||
| Region | South Australia | ||
| SubRegion | Fleurieu | ||
| Appellation | McLaren Vale | ||
| UPC Code(s) | 7290006362353, 767749002060, 9311832391008 |
| Drinking Windows and Values |
| Drinking window: Drink between 2008 and 2020 (based on 70 user opinions) | |
| Wine Market Journal quarterly auction price: See d`Arenberg Shiraz The Dead Arm on the Wine Market Journal. |
| Community Tasting History |
Community Tasting Notes (average and median of 92 pts. in 210 notes) | |
| Tasted by Ridgerunner on 3/22/2024 & rated 94 points: likely should still decant for 90 minutes. This is an incredible wine right in its prime. (244 views) | |
| Tasted by Duncan H on 3/15/2024 & rated 89 points: Drank with Jonathan G and Matthew over dinner at home. Still very powerful and full bodied. D found it a bit monolithic. (213 views) | |
| Tasted by IndyTom on 2/8/2024 & rated 90 points: This bottle was actually better than the one I drank last year. Decanted for about an hour. Still has nice dark fruit. My last bottle may last another year, but it is drinking too well to wait. (368 views) | |
| Tasted by Joelene on 2/6/2024 & rated 91 points: Still drinking nicely (366 views) | |
| Tasted by J @ y H @ c k on 2/3/2024 & rated 93 points: opened, decanted for an hour, and then followed for a few hours. This is what I love about Aussie Shiraz, with the extra factor that the bottle was autographed by D'Arry Osborne when I met him at Zachy's about 18 years ago. When the roughness subsides and the fruit emerges from hiding, this is an outstanding wine. I had finished most of my 1998 Aussie Shiraz and I found this one just sitting there and begging to be opened. I had a bunch of 375s that are long gone and I had lost track of this one. No blueberry pie filling, unless you spend too much time drinking a blend of fecal notes, cat piss and the dirt in the corral. The tannin is 95%+ resolved into a sweet accompaniment to a cherry/raspberry velvet that crosses the tongue and slides effortlessly towards the throat. The nose is subtle fruit and effortless, with a small bit of violet floral aroma. The only thing that keeps this wine from the exceptional characterization is that the finish was "only" of average length. I wish I had bought more. This is at its peak, or perhaps a year or two short of it, so if you've got 'em, smoke 'em. (336 views) | |
| Tasted by Madera16 on 1/1/2024: At Blue Water Bay. Still alive. Loads of sotolon on the finish. Still has a remarkable amount of tannic grip. It feels past its prime, but it was still an interesting wine. (337 views) | |
| Tasted by IndyTom on 6/19/2023 & rated 89 points: Still drinking nicely. Some fruit remains. (759 views) | |
| Tasted by 911henrik on 4/21/2023: Nice (768 views) | |
| Tasted by yaCellar on 11/25/2022 flawed bottle: Dry cork. Oxidation . (974 views) | |
| Tasted by gparker777 on 11/6/2022 & rated 90 points: Deep purple hue. Nose of blackberry plum leather. Soft initial palate laden with dark fruits, leather chocolate and evidence of past tannins.Lost its freshness and vibrancy now but a convincing wine that fills the mouth with tertiary flavours, minerality eucalyptus, cigar box and a really long chewy finish. (960 views) | |
| Tasted by GeorgeSW on 8/25/2022 & rated 91 points: Time to drink up, still dark fruit on nose upon opening , tannins dissipating but still firm, turning slightly brackish .fruit flavour maturing dried berry. (1032 views) | |
| Tasted by wee30 on 8/10/2022 flawed bottle: Lightly corked. Would have been ok if not. (786 views) | |
| Tasted by tanduybui on 2/17/2022 & rated 93 points: “Very drinkable” was what my wife said and she is correct. Based on this bottle, this wine has a fair way to go and this is also supported by the wine tasting I did at d’Arenberg in recent times. This wine has 15% and yet, it was balanced and well proportioned. Just to going to show, just because a wine has a high alcohol number, it does not mean it cannot be a good wine. Typical McLaren Vale shiraz, dark fruits, chocolate, mocha and combined with a high degree of refined tannins to give a very savoury notes. Lovely finish - a wine of wonderful balance. It may not have the cool factors and elegance of some modern day shiraz but it is just as good. Lacked the sophistication and complexity of top notch shiraz and hence the score. Drink now or 8+ years. (1214 views) | |
| Tasted by no leashes on 4/17/2021 & rated 89 points: Still plenty of fruit left, but it felt a bit disjointed and not really as well integrated as previous bottles. Black fruit, earthy tannins. (1824 views) | |
| Tasted by Vitispulmonus on 2/8/2021 & rated 94 points: After reading the other notes, it sounds like there is a lot of variability in the bottles at this point. Decided to open mine up and it was excellent. Plenty of fruit and soft tannins. Long finish. Very much enjoyed over three nights Probably best on nights two and three. (1851 views) | |
| Tasted by Black Duck on 12/25/2020 & rated 86 points: Left this one too long. Cork was good. Color showing brown tannins. Surprisingly nose was okay. Let it sit for 3 hours. Unfortunately taste showed too much tannins with a grainy finish. Not undrinkable, but nevertheless disappointing given I’d waited so long to try this gem. If you have one, drink now as it’s already too late. (1690 views) | |
| Tasted by wineoracle on 12/5/2020 & rated 92 points: Almost black in the glass. Strongly perfumed nose of blackberry jam. Dark sweet cherries and blackberries on the palate with minerality and a smooth finish. I was very surprised at how good this was. Drank from 375ml bottle. (1720 views) | |
| Tasted by Biskuit on 8/30/2020 & rated 92 points: What do you know, this has finally come around! Well integrated, the bottle age has served it well. (1860 views) | |
| Tasted by eyesnwine on 5/30/2020 flawed bottle: Badly corked. NR. (1403 views) | |
| Tasted by chatters on 5/28/2020: Pulled out of the wine-fridge and decanted whilst having a bit of a Coravin root around some other bottles then served to accompany Oxtail stew and spuds. On the nose it's initially a bit oxidised with a creamed meat underpin that does not smell particularly pleasant. Much agitation helped it to show some plummy baked black fruits and lots of sweet spice. On the palate it has what feels like adjusted acidity, that oxidised note vying with baked, almost pruny, plums, plentiful of oaky tannic grip, alcohol heat on the finish. Not particularly pleasant. I think I will store the rest of it in the fridge for a couple of nights and see if it improves... (1454 views) | |
| Tasted by wine247365 on 4/25/2020 & rated 88 points: Enjoyable aged MV Shiraz. I really appreciate how well d’Arenbergs wines from here age. This has sediment to be strained so I advise standing the bottle up at least two days before drinking. Round weighty tannins on the palate, with aromas and flavors of a new dry rubber, creosote, asphalt presence I enjoy, bit of brambles, damp Fall forest earth tones, and canned black cherries. I think it’s passing it’s peak so will drink my next one soon. USD48 is a worthwhile QPR! (1386 views) | |
| Tasted by jmkamil on 4/6/2020 & rated 93 points: I wasn't expecting much when I opened one of my remaining half bottles. Boy, was I wrong! Great rich nose, dark vibrant color and a taste that stood up to and complemented Rib Eye roast. My wife gets tannin headaches but no problem with this bottle as the tannins have aged and integrated so well. A great way to shelter in place. Glad I've got still more in the cellar. (1392 views) | |
| Tasted by jreis on 1/10/2020: Deep purple color with just a hint of bricking at the rim. Nice nose of blackberry jam, smoky meat and oregano. Nice balanced attack with a hit of blackberry fruit balanced with a nice limestone mineral note. A little bit of a hole in the mid palate, but then a really nice finish with a blend of black fruit and a savory, spicy oregano note. (1571 views) | |
| Tasted by LexTine on 9/7/2019 & rated 90 points: We opened a bottle of the 2003 last night. Despite questionable storage, this bottle had a fresh nose of black fruit and spices. Little change in color at the edge of the glass. Vibrant fruit for a wine off this age. Benefiting from mellow tannins. Probably at peak but no signs of deterioration. (1785 views) | |
| Tasted by Stevere on 7/10/2019 & rated 95 points: From other reviews it appears some other viewers have gotten corked bottles. This one was fine. Beyond fine- it was great. Dark berry fruit presents in a lovely balance with modest tannins. This is a rich wine, but certainly not a fruit bomb like some other Aussie wines of lesser pedigree. Substantial structure and some residual acidity made it pair well with food. (1918 views) | |
| Tasted by Ridgerunner on 7/10/2019 & rated 94 points: So much better with age (1617 views) | |
| Tasted by honest bob on 6/14/2019 flawed bottle: From 75cl, short, spongey cork extracted intact. Lot L05006J. TCA. Not quite as badly corked as the previous bottle, but only barely drinkable. (1947 views) | |
| Tasted by honest bob on 6/14/2019 flawed bottle: From 75cl, short and obviously inferior cork, top half intact, lower half fractured into dust and TCA stench which filled the room. Lot L05006J. Wine still sweet and obviously of originally excellent quality, but undrinkable in this condition. 40 EUR down the drain. (1517 views) | |
| Tasted by pgm on 4/22/2019 & rated 91 points: Rich, dense, loaded with black fruit and tobacco aromas and flavors. On the downslope, though. Drink ’em. (1507 views) | |
| Tasted by Ridgerunner on 4/18/2019 & rated 94 points: Just another example of the fact that these wines do in fact evolve and continue to improve. (1132 views) | |
| Tasted by Jezza on 4/17/2019 & rated 90 points: Over the course of a few dinners, had several of these bottles. Soft and smooth with a light to moderate sediment and good fruit. Silky finish and big cherry or black currant flavor (at least to me). Not a lot of acid left but still balanced. Long, sticky legs. Drink now. Oh, I did! (1193 views) | |
| Tasted by vinhonotte on 3/30/2019 & rated 95 points: Praelum - AUSSIE (Praelum Wine Bistro): Powerful nose of berries, cassis, brambles, and peat. Very big, edgy, structured, with intense cassis, grass, smokes, liquorice and coffee. Great! (1597 views) | |
| Tasted by chatters on 1/31/2019: Annual Coravin blitz - day one (My place, Kent Street): From Coravin. A little oxidised and porty initially. Baked plums and prunes, dusty spice but there is something not right here. And so it proves on the palate. Also finishes a lot of intrusive alcohol heat. Out of whack. Hasn’t aged well though I've heard proclamations of longevity. (1643 views) | |
| Tasted by Stevey on 12/24/2018 & rated 92 points: Popped and poured after letting sit for 24 hrs from 13C cellar. Last drank this in April 2014 (per my previous tasting note here of this wine) and the wine has aged well. Lots of sediment this time around. Full bodied, blackberry fruit, some blueberries, excellent structure and balance. Tannins are clearly present but integrated, this wine is in drinking window now, though should give it about 20 min of air time after opening. There's sufficient structure to cellar this wine further though unfortunately, it's my last of the 2003 vintage. (1278 views) | |
| Tasted by Ridgerunner on 12/12/2018 & rated 93 points: This is wonderful Shiraz and I believe it will continue to evolve and improve. I think that most people drink these too early and have no clue of the way these evolve over time. (1439 views) | |
| Tasted by Duncan H on 10/27/2018 & rated 90 points: Delicious - oodles of pure minty blackberry, wonderfully softened over time into a real treat. Tasted next to the 2005 Dead Arm and was a clear winner. At its peak and perhaps time to drink up? (1521 views) | |
| Tasted by Ianjaig on 8/30/2018 & rated 85 points: Toffee on the nose, inky purple and raspberry dominant. Tannic and almost port like. Enjoyable but I do still find Australian Shiraz to syrupy for my liking. (1680 views) | |
| Tasted by RichEB1 on 8/10/2018 & rated 93 points: Excellent aged Shiraz from a classic producer drinking really well. Dark purple in color with little/no bricking. Explosive berries on the nose along with florals and sweet spice. Deep and complex on the palate with blackberries, blueberries, and almost a cab-like cassis note. Served blind to my tasting group and all thought it was younger and probably a cabernet (although guesses were mixed between old/new world). Delicious Aussie red drinking at or close to peak, but with plenty of gas left in the tank. Drink now though 2028 (current CT window is WAY off) (1692 views) | |
| Tasted by Senso-beak on 1/21/2018 & rated 90 points: Opened and poured to compare to the 1997 ironstone pressings. Very dark and expressive nose....you can smell the pedigree here. Minerals, florals and deep dark fruits. Full body, and has mellowed. I actually preferred the ironstone pressings, for its nuance and complexity. This is good stuff too. (2385 views) | |
| Tasted by appel54 on 12/27/2017 & rated 92 points: Mörk, tät färg Lite acetontoner, väldigt mörkbärigt, salmiak, peppar. En vid bordet nämnde mögelost och jag håller verkligen med om det. Lite eldigt även det här, väldigt fylligt och oerhört bra längd. Ett toppenvin som jag gärna dricker mer av. Aussieshiraz behöver verkligen några år på sig för att utvecklas och för att den annars rätt söta frukten skall avta. (2195 views) | |
| Tasted by Mossrose on 11/25/2017 & rated 94 points: Another example of how the d'Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz is reliably one of the richest and best aging Syrah wines from Australia. At 14 years old, pitch black to the edge with inviting aromas of smoked meat, blackberry, blueberry, and evergreen. In the mouth, fruity, rich, concentrated, refreshingly acidic, and smoothly tannic. The swallow throws up a spike of strong acidity and firm tannin, that flows out juicy and beautifully integrated. As superb as it tastes now, aging it longer will make it even more lush, caressing, and complete. (135 views) | |
| Tasted by Helenachuck on 11/15/2017 & rated 92 points: Dark red color, red rim, opaque center, clear. Nose is deep, meaty, has forest and pine notes, hints of menthol, some leather, fruity and complex. On the palate, the wine is plush and rich, almost smooth in its broad fruity entry. It is ripe and concentrated, tannins and grip are evident but well integrated, finish is long and pleasing. I am at somewhat of a loss to better describe this wine. It reminds me of a holiday cranberry and port dish my family makes during the holidays- tart from cranberry and orange fruit, but rich, almost sweet from port and sugar. Very tasty, in a great window of maturity. (2249 views) | |
| Tasted by jsebiri on 11/5/2017: Over the top high alcohol nose , great tasting shiraz though. 5 days later , still very nice . (2101 views) | |
| Tasted by acheng on 7/20/2017 & rated 92 points: Fabulous cherry, cedar and build to a intense satisfying finish. Better on second day. (2763 views) | |
| Tasted by Tannic Monster on 4/2/2017 & rated 86 points: Perhaps this is just over the hill, but it lacks any desirable fruit other than some fig and it is very one dimensional. I poured it over a chuck roast the next day. (3243 views) | |
| Tasted by biggie on 2/4/2017 & rated 93 points: Root day - Dense nose of tomato leaf, smoke,bacon fat, damp earth/clay, and some alcohol. Flavours of smoke, mineral, dried cherries, cranberry, with some blue fruit and a tremendous amount of spice on the long finish. Still at the teenage stage but without the teenage angst a lot of wines go through. Delicious but still has time to go 5-8 years. (3058 views) | |
| Tasted by Wino-olaf on 11/20/2016: Very good. Silky smooth. Not many tannins left though. (3452 views) | |
| Tasted by wineordeath on 8/25/2016 & rated 86 points: Odd metallic edge to the nose with some green notes. Palate is uninteresting. (3761 views) | |
| Tasted by drunken sommelier on 4/3/2016: Tasted as part of a 10 year Dead Arm vertical. Tannins are firmer and grainier then the '99-'02 wines. (4198 views) | |
| Tasted by gunther73 on 3/22/2016 & rated 91 points: The wine looks purple colored. The legs are fast. There is moderate sediment in the bottle. It smells like blueberry, black currant (cassis), black pepper, alcohol/hot and eucalyptus. The body is medium/full. The wine has satin-like texture. The wine finishes medium. The wine has medium acidity. (3576 views) | |
| Tasted by RWallace on 1/22/2016 & rated 91 points: Opened, decanted, and poured. - Color: Initially opaque purple turning to deep ruby with time. – Nose: Leather, anise, blackberry and black cherry, currant, black plum, a whiff of asphalt and a bit of earth. The aromatic fruit was present upon opening. – Palate: The fruit was a bit restrained given the wine’s bouquet, but included blackberry, black cherry, plum, chocolate, a hint of coffee and a bit earthiness. The fruit blossomed in the glass but faded a bit with time, i.e., more than an hour in glass. Smooth tannins; acidity present but in check. The finish was of medium length and pleasant. Recall that the 2003 vintage was a hot vintage world-wide, which may account for its 15% abv.; that said, the wine was not a “jelly bomb”. This wine paired nicely with a New York strip steak. (15.0% abv) (500 cases imported into US) (3554 views) | |
| Tasted by agnorger on 9/21/2015 & rated 92 points: This wine has held up. still bright and fresh but the tannins have receded. I think it is in its drinking window now. pair it with a big steak and you will be v happy (4192 views) | |
| Tasted by LCHammer on 9/19/2015 & rated 87 points: Bright and mature. I expected something darker and richer. Tasted like a cab let go too long. Others seem to have better luck or different tasters than me. Probably waited too long. (3427 views) | |
| Tasted by Senso-beak on 7/10/2015 & rated 90 points: Opened and poured. Dark red to bricking. Sweet currant nose, with licorice, leather, orange and dust. Bright acids lift the deep fruit, which at this point is fairly resolved, to a resounding and full finish. Day two under vac-u-vin, dark dense and deep. (2815 views) | |
| Tasted by FransS on 3/29/2015 & rated 90 points: The wine needed at least an hour to soften and to reach the 90 points. I didn't have the time to wait, but probably a higher score with more air. Powerful, tight, bit chunky at the moment. (3305 views) | |
| Tasted by RJ&JJ on 12/5/2014 & rated 94 points: Excellent bottle of wine and drank so very well. Enjoy if you have it! (3915 views) | |
| Tasted by kstoddard on 12/3/2014 flawed bottle: Oxidized (3518 views) | |
| Tasted by no leashes on 8/31/2014 & rated 92 points: Blackberries, earth, cassis flavors, rich but smooth, delicious. (3915 views) | |
| Tasted by Wineguy76 on 6/25/2014 & rated 95 points: The 2003 is a flamboyant Dead Arm, comparable in finesse and quality to the superb 1998, and only outclassed by the legendary 2001. The wine exhibits a clean, dense ruby color and is packed with exuberant aromas of raspberry, cassis and burnt tar. The fruit carries on with elegance as the wine caresses the palate oh so softly with added interlaced layers of chocolate, vanillin and deliciously decadent red velvet cupcake. This wonderful tour de force is capped by an astounding 45 second finish that lingers on and on leaving you yearning for the next sip. A magnificent effort. Drink now until 2025. (4315 views) | |
| Tasted by jmkamil on 4/26/2014 & rated 92 points: Pulled a half-bottle out of the cellar on the way out to dinner. This was the first bottle opened of a half case of 375's. What Stevey said. Really glad I have more on hand. (4237 views) | |
| Tasted by hkm520240 on 4/11/2014 & rated 91 points: Dead Arm Vertical dinner (Ola Cocina Del Mar, Marina Bay Financial Centre): Dark inky core with youthful crimson tinges, good nose of black berries, blackcurrant, licorice and sweet oak. Nice balance palate with dark chocolate, wild blackberries and black cherries. Soft and supple mouth-feel, Long lingering finish with roast coffee notes. (4111 views) | |
| Tasted by Stevey on 4/4/2014 & rated 93 points: Pulled directly from my cellar at stored at 13C due to someone at our house party wanted to drink a shiraz. Popped and poured then let warm. Blackberry/Blueberry nose that became more evident as wine approached drinking temp. Color was a beautifully intense dark deep purple. Spicy well balance and wonderfully complex medium density black fruit, hint of liquorice, and medium finish length. Tannins appear mid-palate and well integrated, this wine is at beginning of its drinking window, might improve slightly in another couple of years and can easily last another 5-7 years near peak. Excellent wine that shows South Australian Shiraz at its finest! (3521 views) | |
| Tasted by Brett and Megan on 12/8/2013 & rated 93 points: aroma - cherry, blackberry, black cherry, eucalyptus, fun and happy smelling like jumble berry pie; taste - chewy, round, okay but not overwhelming, dried oak fruits, so mamy berries, smoky with mineral on the finish, hint of mild tobacco (3644 views) | |
| Tasted by Matt T on 9/22/2013 & rated 92 points: Excellent balance with notes of vanilla, dark berries, and oak. Just starting to hit its stride with plenty of years ahead of it. (4017 views) | |
| Tasted by acheng on 8/11/2013 & rated 90 points: Well, quite rich, caramel, blueberry fruit all reined in by decent acidity and tannin. Oak is well handled. Not sure if it will improve. (3999 views) | |
| Tasted by jetfan on 8/4/2013 & rated 93 points: Awesome (4097 views) | |
| Tasted by Wine Poor on 4/26/2013 & rated 92 points: Dense inky color. Delicious dark berry fruit on the nose. Full bodied and a great pairing with grilled rib eyes. Drinking very nicely now and a long life ahead. (4045 views) | |
| Tasted by cephomer on 4/13/2013 & rated 93 points: Drank at Alvins with Gisondis & Sables. I'm not a shiraz nut, but I've been drinking different vintages of this wine now for the past several months, and each time I come to appreciate Dead Arm more and more. The 2003 is a bit bigger, more over the top than the 2000 or 2001, perhaps a bit hotter. Dark, inky black color, overpowering nose of jammy blackberries and spice. Loads of black fruit on the palate, with good acidity level and a bit of wood. Tannins still there but no hindrance--they blend nicely into the juice. The wine has a definite earthiness, some eucalyptus (at least I think that's what it was), and this minerality blends so well with the fruit that it makes for a nicely structured, complex concoction. The finish also has good length. These guys really know how to put a solid bottle of wine toghether--not just Dead Arm, but also their Laughing Magpie and Coppermines are also wonderful in their own right. This wine goes great with meat, and cuisine that tends toward the spicy side--went great with my Jerk Duck entre. (3592 views) | |
| Tasted by Praxis on 1/6/2013 & rated 86 points: Dark reddish black in appearance with strong aromas of dark plums and black cherries, vanilla and peppery spice. This medium to medium full-bodied wine was quite ungenerous even on the second day. But from what was revealed was surprisingly straightforward and almost one-dimensional with notes of black fruits, oak and pepper coupled a weak and diluted finish. Sad to say, this left me quite disappointed since I was expecting much more from a McLaren Vale Shiraz of this caliber. (5217 views) | |
| Tasted by spaniel on 12/17/2012 & rated 93 points: Very nice (4348 views) | |
| Tasted by Will Devize on 11/21/2012 & rated 92 points: D'Arenberg's flagship 2003 has a truly intoxicating, fantastically dense nose with jammy blackberries, eucalyptus, black pepper and oak all rushing up from the glass. Each sniff seems to throw a different perspective onto these lovely flavours - a truly wonderful nose here. The palate is surprisingly well mannered - rich but not blowsy, bound together by strong, punchy tannins and amenable acidity. Mercifully, and as is not always the case with Aussie shiraz, the gorgeous dark fruit does not dominate thanks to a neatly presented selection of McLaren Vale's finest tarry, earthy, minerally characteristics. Superb and seductive stuff. (4418 views) | |
| Tasted by rsazima on 11/18/2012: Unbelievable aromatics (black fruit, floral, asphalt/camphor) right after uncorking, but considerably lost it after 1-2h decanting. Definetely not what RP drank... Past its peak? (2732 views) | |
| Tasted by Jflawrence on 7/7/2012 & rated 90 points: Again, good. A bit of cherry. Fairly rounded, but not fat. (4326 views) | |
| Tasted by RayOB on 5/28/2012 & rated 89 points: Nose of cassis, cherries, mint and vanilla. Rich mouth with a short to medium length. Not as bad as the first bottle. (4082 views) | |
| Tasted by rmcnees on 5/13/2012 & rated 89 points: My review - Reminiscent of the 94/95 Dead Arms reflecting a distinctive blueberry taste along with that sweet oak, blackberry and slight earthy smoke, but smooth and polished - more approachable than some of the overpowering over-ripe fruit bombs coming out of Australia recently. - RM - Dark full bodied, concentrated forward ripe black fruits, hint of cassis, raisin, slight tar firm tannin finish. RM 89 points. (3839 views) | |
| Tasted by MLwine on 3/24/2012 & rated 93 points: This wine is drinking incredibly well right now. Fully integrated and quite well-balanced. Very enjoyable. (4230 views) | |
| Tasted by RayOB on 3/17/2012 & rated 86 points: d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Vertical '95 - '04: Dark purple Nose of pepper, red fruit, blackberries and blackcurrants. Sharpness in the mouth with not the right balance Very short length (4994 views) | |
| Tasted by Jflawrence on 3/4/2012 & rated 90 points: This was a good solid wine. I think it is still a bit young ( tannins). Not as well balanced as I'd like. Good color and good nose though. (4162 views) | |
| Tasted by Biskuit on 2/23/2012 & rated 88 points: I used to like big Aussie shiraz.... not so much anymore. Deep dark purple. This comes across as overdone to me, off balance with some harsh tannins still evident. Dark fruit, tar, it benefitted greatly having a steak next to it. (4283 views) | |
| Tasted by TashNYC on 11/18/2011 & rated 93 points: cellar clean-up. We had a case of these. They were all delicious. But they are now all gone :( (5072 views) | |
| Tasted by mcnfarmer on 10/12/2011 & rated 93 points: O.M.G.! This is a spectacular, you not overpowering shiraz. In a nutshell, I need to say that Chester Osborne is a bloody genius. How he crafted this with the balance, color, fruit, acidity, structure, is way beyond me. Paired this with a new VENISON recipe, blended with eggplant and sliced fresh tomatoes. The wife and I enjoyed it while laughing at the 7th (so far) Republican Presidential hopefuls. It's going to be a fun year! Enjoy in good health. And Chester: you're a rock star! Next time you're in New York City, please call! (5566 views) | |
| Tasted by Zweder on 9/16/2011 & rated 92 points: Deep and complex bouquet with black fruits, Eucalyptus and some spices. The bouquet is a little evolved and shows a touch of lavas. Very juicy on the palate with blackberries, cherries, Eucalyptus and some chocolate. Long finish. (5206 views) | |
| Tasted by ticklenow1 on 9/4/2011 & rated 91 points: When I decanted this at 1pm I thought it only quite average. But by the time we drank it (9pm), it had developed into a good wine. Dark in colour with dark fruit and some aniseed on the nose. Dark fruit and a good lick of spice and liquourice on the palate. (5075 views) | |
| Tasted by Cellar Fiend on 7/2/2011: A wow wine. This tastes like a chocolate with concentrated Cherry inside. I drank a lot of wine before opening this so will withhold an official rating. This is atypical Shiraz. Delicious and not what you would expect. I wish I would have bought more. (5682 views) | |
| Tasted by twoamps on 6/14/2011 & rated 95 points: this was my favorite Oz shiraz to date. big, bold, dark, and peppery, with a great big finish. (2021 views) | |
| Tasted by mark_m_owen on 4/29/2011 & rated 90 points: Still a lot to separate this from plenty of other "blockbuster" aussie shiraz. Doesn't quite have the apparent depth and "put your arms about you" of a good Stonewell, but beautiful black fruit and pepper, violet aroma, nicely balanced, rich but not over sweet and solid backbone. Soft but prolonged finish. Robust, but not overbearing. A "weekday wine" for those with deep pockets, maybe. (5875 views) | |
| Tasted by Arthur4wine on 4/24/2011 & rated 95 points: An excellent wine at the very peak of perfection. Served it with ribs last night. While other wines were served with the meal, this one blew the others away. I drank a bottle of Dead Arm, same vintage, when it was very young. This is a wine the greatly benefits from cellaring. (5945 views) | |
| Tasted by grrrpor on 3/17/2011: pop and pour another 375. pretty lovely straight from the bottle right now. initial prune blew off quickly to reveal a bit of vanilla and red vines - but very close to a "delicious" factor - straight out of the gate. 90ish.... see what it does over the evening (6461 views) | |
| Tasted by mgunnin on 2/1/2011 & rated 93 points: bueno (6606 views) | |
| Tasted by coreywb on 1/30/2011 & rated 88 points: Just had my last bottle. Though time has been good to the wine, still not worthy of most ratings and positive notes. Beautiful color, but medicinal nose and can still taste the alcohol. More fruit showing thru and finish is fairly long but not my favorite. QPR is not very good. (6571 views) | |
| Tasted by TashNYC on 1/17/2011 & rated 92 points: Drinking beautifully these days, with lovely black fruit, flowers, expresso, mineral and spice. A nice, weekday wine. (Ours from 375 ml stored at 58 degrees) (6426 views) | |
| Tasted by tbullion on 1/15/2011: Excellent shiraz. (6384 views) | |
| Tasted by TashNYC on 1/14/2011 & rated 91 points: Red & black fruits. Expresso, mineral and spice. Delciious wine. Drinking great now. (ours from 375 ml) (6303 views) | |
| Tasted by hargy on 1/12/2011 & rated 90 points: well made and delicious wine, not over extracted, with good length - suprisingly mature but should keep at least for short term - drink or keep (6372 views) | |
| Tasted by mark_m_owen on 12/12/2010 & rated 90 points: A little slow to open up. Slightly spiced nose, with red fruit. More of the same on the palate but with blacker fruit, depth and some backbone. Violet, white pepper and lots of cassis. Good weight, nice balance, long finish, a bit too much booze. No jam, which makes it lovely in it's own right. (6373 views) | |
| Tasted by christhewino on 11/4/2010 & rated 89 points: Not quite as good as the 2005 but this is still a great wine. Thick and dark with bright red legs all around the glass. Aromas of cherry red fruits and sugar (!) with a spicy, warm palate of herbs and cassis. Really enjoyable. @ d'Arenberg tasting with Claire Scott. West London Wine School. (6582 views) | |
| Tasted by Zweder on 10/13/2010 & rated 92 points: Monthly Tasting Group HWS #051; TOP Australia. (by EvA): Beautifully deep bouquet loaded with black fruits and a pleasant doe of luxurious oak. Same on the palate. The tannin, acidity and bitterness are all friendly and soft, but also still firm. Very concentrated. The wine is at its peak now. No hurry, but I don't think it will be better with more cellaring. (6384 views) | |
| Tasted by tomandlu on 10/2/2010: No notes. I just remember a taut, complete mouthfeel and complex aromatics. (6749 views) | |
| Tasted by TashNYC on 4/9/2010 & rated 90 points: Very deep, dark & concentrated. Black fruit, cherry, graphite and minerals with some fine tannins, too. Best after 60+ minutes open, not decanted, with note of eucalyptus emerging. Still seems like the wine needs more time. (6483 views) | |
| Tasted by Wink on 2/10/2010 & rated 93 points: Popped and poured. Opaque bricked-rimmed purple. Nose of graphite, licorice, expresso and black cherry. Full palate of ripe red and black fruits - bursting with flavor. Notes of coffee, pepper, toasty oak. Excellent length. Pleasant acidity. Mellow tannins (must be softer from the half bottle). Overall, wonderful balance. The best (and last) bottle I have had of this wine. Now I wish I had a few more. (6770 views) | |
| Tasted by ssouth on 1/30/2010 & rated 88 points: Fair but no real complexity of interest...not bad, just boring (6666 views) | |
| Tasted by joshwoodward on 11/12/2009 & rated 93 points: Churchill's: Best of 2009 (Maumee, OH): From half-bottle. High-toned medicinal nose, loaded with raspberry juice. Smooth, herbal, elegant and not at all jammy. Medium tannin, acid and body. High-toned. Good age. Slight heat. $42/375 (7385 views) | |
| Tasted by Wink on 10/29/2009 & rated 92 points: Popped and poured from half bottle. Dark purple. Open nose of dark fruit and vanilla. Full palate of plum, espresso, minerals, integrated oak and supple tannins. Excellent length. Pleasant acidity. MUCH better than the last bottle I drank - over a year ago. (6896 views) | |
| Tasted by jjtarnow on 10/22/2009 & rated 90 points: Great as always...possibly d'Arenberg's best effort to hit the States. Drink now or wait a couple of years..either way it's a pleasure. (6911 views) | |
| Tasted by Capybara562 on 10/13/2009 & rated 91 points: Still young (from 375ml) and very dark red. Dense, dark red fruits and tannins - may last another decade but needs a few more years at least. (6815 views) | |
| Tasted by capnkirk on 10/11/2009 & rated 90 points: We were supposed to have dinner with some friends but my wife and I ended up at Le Grand Orange in Santa Monica by ourselves. We shared this bottle with the waitress and with a colleague from work who happened to be there also. Yummy, yummy, very deep dark red flavors with a hint of sweetness. It was probably better with my wife's burger than my swordfish tacos. Definitely a prime example of d'Arenberg's proficiency with big shiraz's. I could imagine that the new growth had pulled the flavor up through the old arms to give the wine its strong character. (6064 views) | |
| Tasted by GreatLibations on 10/3/2009 & rated 91 points: This thing pours almost black. Mild aromas of currant and white spice. Full body with sturdy acidity and velvety tannins. Dry as a bone with chunky blackberry hide, cassis, rose hips, cedar, a pinch of bitter cocoa and leather. Wrap this up in a dried tobacco leaf and we got a monster wine. The finish desolves slowly with a bit of saltiness. (5912 views) | |
| Tasted by clembos on 8/3/2009 & rated 92 points: Delicious Shiraz, incredibly dense, first nose almost resembled port, then layer after layer of flavours, very complex. Plum, blackberry, cedar, spices, perhaps even beetroot. This will improve over the next years. (6003 views) | |
| Tasted by Yagil on 4/23/2009 & rated 94 points: At Raab (3239 views) | |
| Tasted by gcubanl on 4/12/2009 & rated 87 points: Ok a bit on the tart side (5964 views) | |
| Tasted by mariolanza on 4/6/2009 & rated 90 points: Earthy on opening and tannic, then as it subdued after decantering the fruit and liquorice flavours emerged and the strngth of Shiraz shone. Good wine. (5743 views) | |
| Tasted by Barbotus on 4/4/2009 flawed bottle: Pickle juice, and not in a good way. Writing this off to a bad bottle. (6074 views) | |
| Tasted by mariolanza on 2/21/2009 & rated 89 points: Very very dark color, plums and berries aroma, palate has cherry and peppery flavours. Very tanninc still decanted over 2 hours and drank better the next day 15 hours later. Long finish, very very New World but quality assured. Quite good. Will drink the other one next year. (5831 views) | |
| Tasted by Jody Smith on 1/30/2009 & rated 92 points: ok, this is nice. Spicy spicebox, cedar and floral aromas. Restrained, medium body with a bright, lifted gritty finish. Dense black fruit pleasantly devoid of syrupy sweetness. (5591 views) | |
| Tasted by rjayson on 10/13/2008 & rated 92 points: This wine always deliveries. great nose and great drinking. Served with roast beef. (5492 views) | |
| Tasted by J @ y H @ c k on 9/26/2008 & rated 93 points: From a 375 bought at an AMC Internet auction. This is a great wine. Outstanding. Pure clean dark color, fruity cherry/blueberry aroma, palate has cherry, blueberry, pepper, vanilla and a bit of oak. Nice smooth mouth feel. No astringent tannins. Long finish. Last night at an OL, a well known wine writer asked everyone to give one word that exemplified what we liked in a wine. My word was flavorful. This wine qualifies. His word, by the way, was complex and I think this wine also qualifies on that standard as well. (5079 views) | |
| Tasted by jjtarnow on 6/1/2008 & rated 93 points: One of the best Shiraz on the market....period. (5677 views) | |
| Tasted by beezer6 on 4/12/2008 & rated 88 points: Drank from a 375 ml. Somewhat disappointing overall. Very dark color in the glass. Deep purple / black. Aromas of plum, oak and charred meat. The palate is intriguing. Shows pleasant flavors of Purple Blow Pop on the front palate. A Robitussin after taste develops leading to an overly alcoholic unbalanced finish for a wine with this price tag. (5300 views) | |
| Tasted by grrrpor on 3/11/2008 & rated 91 points: still feels like a baby, but from the 375 was able to pop and pour with a strip steak and baked potato and it was just what Tuesday needed (5599 views) | |
| Tasted by earthly on 1/26/2008 & rated 92 points: Popped and poured, loads of berries and oak. Probably would have been better off with a little time in the glass but I couldn't wait to finish the bottle it was that enjoyable. (5445 views) | |
| Tasted by colekmmj on 1/18/2008 & rated 92 points: Very dark color. Strong blackberry flavor. Decanted and drank immediately. Excellent wine, but tannins still a bit strong. Either need to decant a few hours to open it up more or sit on it several more years for optimum taste. (5393 views) | |
| Tasted by Seanr7 on 1/11/2008 & rated 91 points: Deep dark purple, nose of blackberry and dark cherry. Opened and poured into a decanter and left it to sit for an hour. At first this wine was very backward and not yielding very much on the palate. Left the rest of the wine in the glass for another hour and when I came back to it this wine had really opened. On the palate there is an overload of blackberry, cherry, a nice touch of vanilla and a killer spicy finish that seems to go on for 45 seconds. I would sit on this for a few more years but if you were gong to open it soon let this wine get several hours of air. Tasted from a 375ml bottle. (5864 views) | |
| Tasted by DenisLee on 1/7/2008 & rated 88 points: I was not blown away by this wine. It was just ok. (5170 views) | |
| Tasted by goofy Yno on 1/3/2008 & rated 86 points: blueberry nose with a touch of heat in the mouth. a littl too much for me (5208 views) | |
| Tasted by TashNYC on 12/30/2007 & rated 90 points: Lovely nose of blackberry & oak. Very deep fruit taste, opening over 1.5 hours to show more depth, complexity and a touch of herbs on the finish. While this drank ok now, this is WAY too young, and will be better in a few years. We'll try again in 1-2 years, and see how it goes. (from 375 ml bottle). (4737 views) | |
| Tasted by nob8dnkr on 12/29/2007 & rated 92 points: good solid big shiraz in that typical ripe aussie shiraz style. (4784 views) | |
| Tasted by cadamson on 12/22/2007 & rated 90 points: Very good. Nice medium fruit profile. Not overwhelming. (4671 views) | |
| Tasted by SBA Guru on 9/2/2007 & rated 92 points: Much like 2002 with mroe spice. I love dead arm, so far out of 10 vintages only 1995 was a disappointment. (4952 views) | |
| Tasted by rjayson on 8/25/2007 & rated 93 points: I don't drink that much Shiraz, but this was definately a treat. Full bodied, lots of flavors in the nose and enormously drinkable. (5058 views) | |
| Tasted by Mike Bates on 8/11/2007 & rated 93 points: Rich silky full bodied Shiraz, just what I would expect from this wine. Blackberry and Black Cherry on the nose. Well balanced oak and bit of a earthyness on the palate. Well rounded tannins. An outstanding example of a classic Australian Shiraz! (5009 views) | |
| Tasted by Louisiana George on 6/12/2007 & rated 92 points: pours like ink from a bottle; fruit forward aromas of licorice and black fruit jam; tastes same, with hint of vanilla on the finish and potent tannins - not so overpowering it can't be consumed now, but clearly could cellar for 10+ years. reminded me very much of the 2003 Caymus Special Selection, just $60/bottle cheaper. can't wait to see how this one evolves over time. (5286 views) | |
| Tasted by hwallace3000K on 5/6/2007 & rated 92 points: Deep purple, thick, rich, candied blackberry, and spice. I had this at a restaurant and it could have used way more decant time (and age). Still enjoyable w/ lambchops, was a hit with guests. (5408 views) | |
| Tasted by Tparodi on 4/20/2007 & rated 94 points: Excellent bottle - still a young pup. (5287 views) | |
| Tasted by fine137 on 2/27/2007 & rated 90 points: Needs time. A bit lean at the moment, but with potential. (5541 views) | |
| Tasted by jsokel on 1/22/2007 & rated 90 points: I had a 375ml bottle and decanted it for about 30 mins. Dark inky color, strong berry flavors, great finish. This was a great wine, but I'm not sure it was worth the price. (5415 views) | |
| Tasted by Zingrrl on 1/19/2007 & rated 90 points: I opened a 375 and immediately poured - so probably could have improved with decanting. Graphite and and faint blackberry on the initial nose. Too subtle at first but very smooth. As the wine evolved in the glass, fruit flavor improved as did the finish. I have a couple of bottles left - will definitly wait and decant next time. (5377 views) | |
| Tasted by jacobp on 1/11/2007 & rated 93 points: Inky purple with tar, licorice and blackberry nose. Well-balanced and spicy finish. (5384 views) | |
| Tasted by Neuman on 1/7/2007 & rated 90 points: This bottle came from a different supplier then my first case and was not as good. Had the shiraz charactaristics but not the "wow" of the other bottles. Flawed (5551 views) | |
| Tasted by tbdman on 1/6/2007 & rated 92 points: Opened a 375ml late in evening. Didn't decant, but could really taste the potential here. Deep inky color. Deep blackberry flavors along with a strong tar scent. Just a great wine. (5845 views) | |
| Tasted by craiglb on 12/9/2006: inky, thick lots of sediment, menthol/fruit/graphite nose, medium astringent (good on its own--doesn't need food), lush wine, not much fruit but ultimately sweet finish, needed at least 30 minutes to have a finish at all. First sip thought it had no finish, an hour later a nice long finish so be sure to open early. (5420 views) | |
| Tasted by nob8dnkr on 10/8/2006 & rated 92 points: almost cabernet like. great body, great density. I will buy more of this tomorrow. (5873 views) | |
| Tasted by Sav on 9/16/2006 & rated 87 points: Very powerful (BD Present) (5753 views) | |
| Tasted by redpine42 on 9/2/2006 & rated 89 points: This wine did not deliver. Nothing in the nose, not much of a typical austrailan fruit bomb. (999 views) | |
| Tasted by Wrighty on 8/13/2006 & rated 92 points: Sausages and Champagne (plus a couple of reds) (Allan and Nora's (Hong Kong)): Surprisingly approachable although still pretty much a heavy weight. Packed with fruit but balanced, perhaps alcohol a little too prominent. (6373 views) | |
| Tasted by CamWheeler on 7/14/2006 & rated 89 points: Primary and explosive nose with blackberry and chocolate. Palate is similarly huge, but it doesn't quite feel balanced. (2343 views) | |
| Tasted by jjoyce on 7/13/2006 & rated 86 points: Notes are from 375 mil bottle. Nose closed on initial pour. Allowed to sit in Riedel Vinum Shiraz glass for an hour before trying. The only smell coming through first evening was camphor. The taste was not unpleasant, tannins were smooth and the fruit, though evident it was there somewhere -- was clearly hiding. On day two I poured another glass. The nose was definitely more alive with camphor smell replaced by black cherry. The flavor was more complex than day one, and I enjoyed the wine, but to me it didn't warrant the 96 point Parker score, or the other 90+ scores here in CT. I have one more 375 and two 750s so I will see how this wine evolves. (6208 views) | |
| Tasted by hehlers on 12/20/2005 & rated 94 points: Very dark colour almost black. Fantastic nose with chocolate, tobaco. Almost to powerfull and at this time a little alcoholic. Save the wine for at least 5 years! (8001 views) | |
| Tasted by mark40 on 12/13/2005 & rated 90 points: Nose was virtually nonexistent on the first day and on the second. Not an Aussie fruit bomb - tight, slightly herbal, with some dark fruit. Good complexity, but not as good as the 01 and 02 Dead Arm. Better the second day, tightness smoothed out a little. I've got 3 more and will hold them for a few years and see what happens. (7844 views) | |
| Tasted by ERoss on 11/29/2005 & rated 93 points: Best of the Best Wine Class, Fall 05 (Farmington Community & Senior Center, Unionville, CT): As one would expect, color was opaque black-purple to the rim. Even with extensive aeration this wasn't giving much on the nose (decanting would have helped most if not all of the wines) , but I did pick up rich cassis, rhubarb, white roses, pepper, and eucalyptus. Pronounced glycerin-like in texture, with deep plumy and buttery/toast flavors. Long and satisfying finish, with noticeable tannins, a fruit bomb without being flabby or over-extracted. (8629 views) |
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d'ArenbergProducer website | Wine Doctor.com profileU.S. Importer (Addt'l Info) Producer Location (Google Maps) One of the most significant wineries in McLaren Vale founded in 1912. The winemaking processes of the past have been maintained, capturing the unique small-batch character of the wines and the true flavour of the McLaren Vale region. All grapes, red and white, are basket-pressed. The reds are still traditionally fermented with the grape skins (caps) submerged in open wax-lined concrete fermenters utilising the age-old technique of foot-treading. Winemaking duties are carried out by fourth-generation Chester d’Arenberg Osborn. In June 2004 Chester’s father, d’Arry was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his contributions to the wine industry and to the McLaren Vale region. After more than 65 consecutive vintages d’Arry is very proud of his achievements in creating an internationally recognised wine brand commonly known as the ‘Red Stripe’ due to the distinctive diagonal red stripe that adorns the label. d’Arenberg’s art of being different extends to a range of fortified and dessert wines, which have legendary status worldwide. ShirazVarietal article (Wikipedia) | Varietal character (Appellation America)The Dead ArmThe Story Behind The NameDead Arm is a vine disease caused by the fungus Eutypa Lata that randomly affects vineyards all over the world. Often vines affected are severely pruned or replanted. 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, while low yielding, display amazing intensity. The Winemaking Each batch of fruit received is gently crushed in our Demoisy open-mouthed, rubber-toothed crusher so as many of the berries as possible remain whole. After crushing, the must is transferred to open fermenters where the seeds and skins are permanently submerged beneath the free run juice. The must receives no plunging or pumping over while fermentation occurs. Once the primary fermentation is nearly complete, traditional foot-treading takes place prior to basket-pressing. The wine is then transferred to barrel to complete its primary and secondary fermentation. After 20 months every barrel is individually assessed for quality. Only the best barrels are selected to be bottled as The Dead Arm Shiraz. AustraliaWine Australia (Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation) | Australian Wines (Wikipedia)South AustraliaSouth Australian Wine Industry Association | South Australian Wines (Wikipedia)FleurieuFleurieu Wineries & Cellar Doors (southaustralia.com)McLaren ValeMcLaren Vale (McLaren Vale Grape, Wine and Tourism)(Hastwell & Lightfoot webpage) |