1996 d'Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz

Notes sourced from d'Arenberg Wines.

Dead Arm, you say, what the hell is that? Dead Arm is a vineyard disease (phomppsis viticola) caused by a fungus and predominantly evident in high rain fall areas - the fungus actually attacks the cane and it literally turns to pulp. The cure is to spray against the fungus, and quite frankly it's sheer negligence for it occur. The benefit that d'Arenberg claim dead arm confers to the vine is a reduced yield - Chester ol' buddy, have you not heard of keeping a healthy vineyard and reducing the number of buds on each cane! Anyhow, full marks in attempting to turn adversity into a virtue. Having said all that the wine is very good indeed, and you can rest assured you won't suffer from any "dead arms" having consumed the wine!The wine was matured in new American and French oak barriques for 22 months before blending and then bottling. Deep brick red colour. The nose displays great intensity with cedar, fig, blackberry and blueberry aromas and a hint of pepper and spice in the background. The palate displays excellent concentration and intensity and has a silky smooth texture. Rich blackberry and cassis fruit flavours along with sweet cedary vanillin oak dominate the middle palate. The aftertaste is very long with elegant fleshy, chocolate mint and pepper flavours - silky smooth. Cellar 10 years. 15% Alcohol Volume.Winner of 1 trophy and 3 gold medals.