2018 d’Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz

Matured in a mixture of new and used French and old American oak barriques. Impenetrable inky black heart with a deep dark red black hue. Intense ripe blackberry, dark chocolate and liquorice aromas escape from the glass followed by some vanillin cedar, scorched earth and peppered dried meat notes. Rich and muscular the bold palate features blackberry, liquorice and dark plum fruits framed by robust tannins. Scorched earth, iron, vanillin cedar and spicy pepper characters lurk underneath. Excellent concentration and power with energetic acidity and a long sternly built finish.
Cellar 10-15 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews…..
Quite expressive and exotic, with red plums, blackberries and iodine, as well as dried herbs and nori, quite fragrant spices and currants. The palate has a sleek, dense and long feel, with impressive fruit intensity, delivered in such contained and impressively composed style. This has such length and intensity with a silky texture. Old vines underpin the style here. Drink over the next decade or more. Screw cap.
96 points
JamesSuckling.com