2000 d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz

Dead Arm is a vineyard disease (eutypa lata)caused by a fungus and is predominantly found in high rainfall areas. The fungus actually attacks the vines cane and literally turns it to pulp. The cure is to spray against the fungus, and quite frankly it‘s sheer negligence for it to occur. The benefit that d‘Arenberg claim dead arm confers upon 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!) Full marks to the marketing department at d’Arenberg for turning adversity into a virtue.

"An excellent Dead Arm, which clearly demonstrates the consistency and quality of the style."

Tasting Note: Opaque black crimson colour, with black crimson hue. Superb, perfumed nose – a wonderful sniff, filled with the aroma of vanilla, cedar and plum over a layer of liquorice, blackberry and earth. The palate structure is monumental, and in keeping with the Dead Arm tradition. Mouth filling flavours of spice and blackberry over a pronounced background of black pepper, spice and liquorice. Fine grained dry tannins with perfect balance, followed by an aftertaste of vanilla, plum, spice, mocha and black pepper.
Cellar 5-8 years (2006-2010)
Alc/Vol 14.5%