Dead Arm is a vine disease caused by the fungus Eutypa Lata that randomly affects vineyards all over the world. Often vines affected are severely pruned or replanted. One half, or an ‘arm’ of the vine slowly becomes reduced to dead wood. That side may be lifeless and brittle, but the grapes on the other side, while low yielding, display amazing intensity.

A very dark, vibrant, polished appearance with a dense red crimson hue. The aroma upon opening is surprisingly elegant showing superb fruit characters dominated with red fruits, plum, spices, red cherries, cranberry, white and green pepper and blueberry notes against a back drop of very fine oak.

The flavours are ripe; red fruits, cherries, plums and black olives with edges of dried garden herbs. As the wine opens the palate is extremely tight and controlled. In many ways this wine is more elegant than previous vintages with tannins that have a wonderful mineral grittiness that is balanced right to the wine’s pointed finish.  Chester Osborn, Winemaker.

The Dead Arm rarely fails to deliver an uncompromising essay on McLaren Vale fruit; deeply concentrated with levels of dark chocolate, blackberry, nuances of florals and a freshness that belies its weight and power. Good value. Screwcap. To 2030; 95 Points; James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2009 Edition.

Gold Medal - 2008 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles

D’Arenberg’s flagship is the 2006 The Dead Arm Shiraz. Opaque purple-colored, the nose is reticent but gives up aromas of meat, bacon, game, truffles, blueberry, and blackberry. Firm, layered, and complex, this beautifully rendered Shiraz demands a decade of cellaring. It will be superb from 2018 to 2036. D’Arenberg has been owned and operated by the Osborn family since its inception in 1912. The portfolio, with a focus on the Rhone varieties, is wide ranging and value-oriented from top to bottom. The winery produces a bevy of value priced reds and whites that were reviewed in Issue 178. They should not be overlooked. At the higher end of the portfolio there is one white wine on which to report. Wine Advocate # 181 Feb 2009 Jay Miller 95+ Drink: 2018 - 2036