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  • 98
  • 93
  • 95
  • Reduced

2003 d'Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz

McLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
Reduced from $99.99
$79. 99
Bottle
$959.88 Dozen
Cellar: 3 - 5 Years (2008-2010)
ABV: 15%
Closure: Cork

Was $99.99 Now $79.99

The Dead Arm gets its name in a fairly inauspicious way – it is named after the disease (Eutypa Lata) which afflicts some of the oldest vines at d’Arenberg. Eutypa Lata, or ‘Dead Arm’ is common all around the world in old vineyard sites. The disease in effect slowly reduces one of the ‘arms’ of the vines to dead wood, which then means the other arm of the vine produces small volumes of the most incredibly concentrated and highly flavoured grapes.

Opaque black crimson colour with deep crimson hue. Aroma of spice and vanilla followed by blackberry, resulting in an excellent perfumed lift. The palate has the weight, depth and complexity that one normally associates with Dead Arm. There is plenty of palate weight, with flavours of vanilla, dark chocolate and spice followed by a touch of confectionary on the back palate. Outstanding length and depth. Perfect balance with very long aftertaste of liquorice, dark chocolate and vanilla. A spectacular Dead Arm Shiraz.
Cellar 3-5 years (2008-2010)
Alc/Vol: 15%

Other Reviews...
One of this estate’s flagship wines, the 2003 The Dead Arm Shiraz appears to be better than the 2002. A deeper, richer, fuller-bodied offering that spent time in equal parts French and American oak, it possesses an opaque purple color, great intensity, and a fabulously sweet nose of blackberries, cassis, asphalt, earth, and oak. Powerful, super-concentrated, and obviously fashioned from low yields and old vines, this is a classic McLaren Vale old vine Shiraz that should age nicely for 15+ years.
95 Points
Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate # 161 (Oct 2005)

Deep colour; typically massively rich and concentrated; black fruits, chocolate, tannins and oak are all fighting each other for top spot.  Hopefully, a truce will be declared in 5 or so years.
Rating 93
James Halliday - Wine Companion