d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz 2020

Big, bold and bursting with personality, The Dead Arm Shiraz is a true McLaren Vale legend. Crafted from incredibly low-yielding old vines, this is a wine that knows how to make an entrance. Deep, dark and wonderfully brooding, the nose is packed with blackberries, ripe plums, liquorice and warming spice. Dig a little deeper and you'll discover dark chocolate, earthy undertones and a delicious hint of fennel seed. The palate is rich and powerful, delivering layers of concentrated black fruit with a savoury, almost balsamic edge. French oak adds a lovely touch of complexity without stealing the show. Fine, silky tannins and a streak of fresh acidity keep all that generosity beautifully in check. There's a wonderful mineral quality running through the wine, leading to a seriously long, satisfying finish. A proper powerhouse with plenty of finesse, and one that's only going to get more interesting with time.