Dead Arm is a vine disease caused by the fungus Eutypa Lata that randomly affects vineyards all over the world. 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 display amazing intensity.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Ruby Red
Nose: The nose is very aromatic, floral and youthful. There is a fascinating amount of intensity that draws you back. The lavender floral notes along with plum and blackberries are the most pronounced while the enigmatic beauty of this wine lies in the next layer of extremely alluring pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg and a hint of five-spice
Palate: The opulent palate is rich and dense with staggering concentration. Crushed ants, rhubarb, and deep earth add to the complexity. The chewy tannins are abundant and balanced by the fruit power. Building through the palate the tannins provide for a long, vibrant, savoury and spicy finish.
Grape Varieties: 100% Shiraz
Awards: Outstanding, Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine; 95, Jeremy Oliver; 94, Halliday Points; 93, Huon Hooke; 92, Parker Points; 92, Ray Jordan
History of d’Arenberg
McLaren Vale is home to some of the oldest vines in the country, dating as far back as 1850. The Mediterranean climate, huge array of soil types and proximity to the ocean with the resultant cooling sea breezes make it an idyllic location for wine grape growing.
Since 1912 the Osborn family have tended vineyards in McLaren Vale, South Australia. Today fourth generation family member, Chester, makes distinctive wines using traditional methods both in the vineyard and the winery. Chester walks through the vineyards and determines the ideal picking time for each individual vineyard. d’Arenberg is one of the only wineries in Australia to basket press both white wines as well as reds, making for a labour intensive process, but the quality of the results makes this worthwhile as the action is controlled and extremely gentle.