d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier 2018
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Suckling
James
Product Details
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
A classic northern Rhone blend, Shiraz with a little touch of Viognier. Very perfumed, black and red berries. A vibrant concoction. the Shiraz brings black fruits, plums, black cherries, and the small parcel of co-fermented Viognier brings stone fruits like peach and a touch of apricot. This makes for a very savory and harmonious bond between the two varieties. This is certainly a wine that will benefit from careful cellaring for many years to come.
Blend: 95% Shiraz, 5% Viognier
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
One of the modern classics for d’Arenberg, this is fermented with a high proportion of lightly pressed viognier skins and then has shiraz added late in the elevate to tone the viognier influence into balance. The aromas are fresh, richly spicy and lead by exuberantly ripe blackberries and dark plums with toasted spices and meaty elements. The palate has such richness and exotic, powerful tannins carry ripe dark plums and berries long and deep. Impressive depth and composure. Drink over the next decade.
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d'Arenberg is one of the undisputed kings of Australian Shiraz and other Rhone varieties that have historically defined the region. A century on, their vineyards have grown to some 450 acres in McLaren Vale, including Shiraz dating back to d'Arenberg's first plantings in 1912, and nearly one-third of McLaren Vale's old bush-vine Grenache. Fourth generation winemaker, Chester Osborn, recently converted all of the family's vineyards to organics and biodynamics and moved to solar energy in the winery. All the while, in terms of winemaking, not much has changed--all the wines are basket-pressed, the reds foot-trodden during fermentation; everything is done in small batches, leading to an impressive array of bottlings every year, each showing a different facet of McLaren Vale terroir. Having been inducted into Wine & Spirits Magazine's Hall of Fame for earning a place on its Top 100 Wineries nine times, this accolade is a reflection of d'Arenberg's revered reputation worldwide.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.