2008 d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz

Outstanding, saturated, inky black colour with deep, black crimson hue. The nose displays perfumed aromas of ripe blackberry, dark chocolate and liquorice followed by some vanillin confectionary like notes and a touch of spice. The palate delivers the concentration and richness one has come to expect from Dead Arm along with a good solid tannin backbone. Mouthfilling flavours of ripe blackberry, dark chocolate and liquorice followed by some mocha and vanillin like characters. Fine grained, but solidly built, almost chewy tannin structure. Excellent depth with very long blackberry, dark chocolate, liquorice and spice aftertaste.
Cellar 5-8 years (2016-2019)
Alc 14.5%

Other Reviews....
Deep colour; vivid hue; fresh black fruits, licorice, toasty oak and sappy complexity are all evident on the bouquet; the palate is dark and chewy, but falls short of being ponderous, as the wine progresses at an even and stately pace across the palate; excellent execution indeed.
Drink By: 2025 Date Tasted: 21 Feb 2011
96 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion