D'Arenberg Shiraz Mclaren Vale the Dead Arm 2009

The 2009 D'Arenberg Footbolt Shiraz is a decent wine, though my high expectations from reviews of other vintages left me somewhat disappointed. First off, I found it a bit tight on the nose for a Shiraz, displaying some dark fruit with undertones of tobacco and minty highlights, but lacking that barrel-of-crushed-ripe-berries aroma I love in big red wines. On the palate, I get a sharp pomegranate flavor with some black cherry liquor, followed by pleasing undertones of black pepper and spice that burn a bit on the back of the tongue. While the wine has a bold flavor with just the right amount of sugar, it tasted unfocused and didn't fully deliver on the ripe fruit juice I crave in a Shiraz. I decanted this bottle for two hours, but perhaps the wine is still too young and needs more time to soften and mature.

dark, spicy, jam notes, rich chocolate intertwined with dark currants and spice - packs a punch with delicate and grace

Really dry strong in flavour, acidic, but good depth! Great wine to enjoy! Bit pricey thou...

Dark and exotic, this seemed to have lots of breed, even a touch of a high end Cab/Shiraz blend going on. Wonderful dark cassis and kirsch, black cherries and scorched earth made this the real winner of the night. Lots of structure and pizzazz with the long smooth finish you would hope for. What a surprise when unveiled. It reminded me of Brokenwood’s Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz (5x the price). Well done! QPR Indeed. 94/100

This is a big time shiraz. BIG TIME. I was in Aussie for a year and even got a chance to go visit D'Arenberg. They ended up being my favorite winery in Australia they make every mix of wine you can imagine pulling grapes from different regions to hit good price points. You can even get there lower-end Shiraz "the stump jump" and it carries big flavour and is still smooth. The Dead Arm, on the other hand, is their signature bottle and leaves nothing back. A gulp of this stuff leaves you leaning back in your chair and contemplating how life can be so damn beautiful in your mouth!

Agree agree, one the best shiraz out there,the hint of vanilla is a joy everytime i open a bottle. And an absolut steal at the price! Enjoy

Dark and exotic, this seemed to have lots of breed, even a touch of a high end Cab/Shiraz blend going on. Wonderful dark cassis and kirsch, black cherries and scorched earth made this the real winner of the night. Lots of structure and pizzazz with the long smooth finish you would hope for. What a surprise when unveiled. It reminded me of Brokenwood’s Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz (5x the price). Well done! QPR Indeed. 94/100 I have tasted this going back about 5-6 years and this is the best I can ever remember it being.