Tannic Teeth

So the Dead Arm Shiraz has a bit of a name for itself. If you don’t know the history of the wine, there is a certain fungi (Eutypa lata) that renders part of the vine dead, hence the ‘dead arm’.  Apparently it also makes the quality of grapes on the remaining half of higher quality. Apparently.

Well in all intents and purposes it DOES deliver a good wine. Though one may achieve this though drought stress, canopy management, fruit thinning to achieve a higher quality crop and thus resulting wine.

The instant character fresh from lively decant is a splattered array of blackcurrant and reduced red fruits. Though over time the nose grows a hairy animal belly and locks itself behind something akin to a leather suit case. Hints of succulent berry do poke though, but you’re going to need your beagle with you to find them. Flavourful and giving on the palate with a good punchy long lasting end. There could have been more fruit sweetness but you can’t have everything in one glass. As expected for the price. RRP $60

d’Arenberg ‘The Sticks and Stones’ 2005 [McLaren Vale] 14.5% (Screwcap)

‘Some what of a hotch-potch of Southern European grape varieties, d’Arenberg’s ‘The Sticks and Stones’ gives much in the way of textural wine with a twist. Comprising of more or less half Tempranillo (48%), Grenache (42%) and Shiraz (10%), it’s a wine that sits comfortably in the gamy earthy spectrum initially, with distinct leather strap and damp earth. It may not sound attractive however there are underlying layers of sweet fruit, strawberry and currant. Definitely not rich cassis or reduced plums in this batch. Tactially it feels larger; spreading deep diving tannins pucker, adhere and rasp your tongue and lips. Though not enduring, the sensation is somewhat transient, only to be replenished with another sip. Finishes in decent time and length. Would compliment game or other strongly flavoured meats.’