TASTING NOTES FOR d’Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz McLaren Vale South Australia 2017

🍷 Appearance
Deep garnet to inky purple. Dense and brooding in the glass, showing impressive concentration.

👃 Aromas
Complex and layered, moving between lifted red fruits and darker, more brooding notes. Blackberry, plum and red cherry are complemented by spice, dried herbs and earthy, ashen nuances—classic of this vintage style.

👅 Palate
Full-bodied yet controlled, delivering concentrated dark fruits—blackberry, plum and black cherry—alongside spice and savoury undertones. The wine shows remarkable balance between fruit, tannin and acidity, with a slightly more restrained and refined feel than typical richer vintages.

🍈 Texture & Finish
Fine, structured tannins with a polished edge. The finish is long and persistent, carrying layers of dark fruit, spice and earthy complexity. Despite its power, the wine remains elegant and composed, with excellent ageing potential.

🍇 Overall Style
A benchmark McLaren Vale Shiraz—powerful, complex and age-worthy, yet more refined and approachable in this vintage. Built from low-yielding vines affected by “dead arm,” which intensifies fruit concentration and depth.

🍽️ Food Pairing
Perfect with slow-roasted lamb, beef short ribs, game or rich braised dishes. Also excellent with aged cheeses and hearty cuisine.

🥂 BBD Verdict
An iconic Australian Shiraz that balances power with finesse. The 2017 vintage offers immediate drinkability while still rewarding cellaring—an outstanding choice for premium mixed dozens or serious straight dozens.

Cheers
Peter Turnbull
Better Buy The Dozen 🍷