2004 d'Arenberg Shiraz The Dead Arm

Saturated violet. Pungent tobacco- and espresso-laced cherry, cassis and blackberry aromas, with a hint of mocha. Beautiful dark berry, vanilla and Indian spice flavors expand and gain sweetness with air. The lushly tannic finish positively explodes with sweet raspberry and mulberry flavors, with dark chocolate and exotic blood orange notes adding a vibrant quality. An impressive return to form for d'Arenberg's flagship red.

The renowned 2004 Shiraz The Dead Arm, fashioned from ancient head-pruned vines, is stunning. An inky/purple color is accompanied by a glorious perfume of creosote/melted road tar, blackberry and cassis liqueur, pepper, and spice. This deep, rich, full-bodied, tannic Shiraz should be drinkable in 2-3 years, and will last for two decades or more. It is the finest Dead Arm since the 2001. Wine Advocate.October, 2006