Community Tasting Note
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joraesque wrote: 84 points
July 24, 2021 - Quite a bit musty upon opening—"dead arm" (see back label) mustiness? 🤔
With a little air, this begins resembling a hot climate (e.g. Sierra Foothills) old-vine Zinfandel, that is, without the pruniness; the out of balance heat is also there, though not as bad as the 14.6% ABV would suggest.
With 30 more minutes of air, I can finally start sensing some of that Aussie fruit underneath the rot.
Certainly an oddball (and not in an endearing way) of a McLaren Vale Syrah, in my book.
81-84
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PS. The Garagiste/Jon Rimmerman's coattailing off Harlan when offloading this bottling that's bordering on swill is quite deplorable: "With a 20 year record of 90pt or more accolades from the WA (from various reviewers, not just Bob), it’s safe to say that d’Arenberg’s The Dead Arm Shiraz is one of the most consistent examples in all of Australia. Think about that for a moment – 20 years without a sub 90pt vintage? As far as the New World is concerned, that’s as Old Guard as it gets (there are top wineries in the US that haven’t been around for 20 years, let alone with that score record. Harlan, yes, but that’s $400+/bottle!" 🤦🏼♂️
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24 hours later this is exhibiting less rot, though it's still there, quite noticeably on the finish. Acidity now seems to be at the forefront.
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