Rated 3.91 out of 5 based on 22 customer ratings

(23 customer reviews)

Dead Arm Shiraz 2018 D’arenberg

$59.95

14.50% /

750ml /

Vintage: 2018

WS 91
WE 92
JS 96

Free Shipping
12 bottles

8 in stock

Free Shipping on 12 bottles Ships Today if ordered in next 3h 34m

Mix & Match Free Shipping on 12 Bottles

Winery: d'Arenberg
Varietal: Shiraz Wine
Winemaker: Chester Osborn
Wine Style: Red Wine - Rich and Intense
Wine Country Of Origin: Australia
State / Province: South Australia
Sub Region / AVA: McLaren Vale

Wine Description

From the storied vineyards of D’Arenberg, the Dead Arm Shiraz 2018 emerges as a testament to the resilience and intense character that can come from adversity. Crafted by Chief Winemaker Chester Osborn, with the support of Senior Winemaker Jack Walton, this wine encapsulates the essence of McLaren Vale’s unique terroir and the winery’s innovative approach to winemaking.

The name “Dead Arm” might sound a bit ominous, but it’s actually a nod to the struggle and triumph over the vine disease Eutypa Lata. This condition can devastate parts of the vine, leaving them barren. Yet, it’s from the surviving parts that the grapes for this wine are harvested, resulting in fruit that is not just surviving but thriving with intensity and concentration.

The vintage of 2018 was marked by a series of climatic challenges, including a notably wet winter followed by a dry and warm ripening season. These conditions culminated in a harvest that, while slightly reduced in yield, was exceptional in quality. The meticulous winemaking process, involving gentle crushing, basket pressing, and aging in French oak, further enhances the wine’s complexity and depth.

Upon pouring, the Dead Arm Shiraz 2018 presents a deep, mesmerizing hue, a prelude to the symphony of aromas and flavors that await. The nose is immediately greeted with brooding notes of plum, blackberry, and liquorice, intertwined with hints of spice and an undercurrent of earthy tones.

Tasting this wine is like embarking on a journey through the varied landscapes of McLaren Vale. The palate is introduced to rich, dark fruits and subtle savory notes, reminiscent of balsamic glazed beets and roasted meats. Layers of complexity unfold with each sip, revealing fennel seed, roasted meats, and a minerality that speaks to the wine’s provenance. The tannins, though pronounced, are slaty and persistent, promising a wine that will age gracefully, revealing more of its depth and complexity over the years.

The Dead Arm Shiraz 2018 D’arenberg has not only captivated the senses but also earned critical acclaim for its distinctive character and quality. Wine Spectator awarded it 91 points, praising its dense structure and the tangy fruit flavors balanced by a mineral edge. Wine Enthusiast’s 92 points highlight the wine’s powerful, dense palate, enveloped in muscular tannins, while James Suckling’s 96 points commend its expressive, exotic profile and impressive length and intensity.

For enthusiasts and collectors alike, the Dead Arm Shiraz 2018 is a jewel in the crown of D’Arenberg Wines. Its ability to convey the story of its origin, from the unique challenges of its vintage to the meticulous care in its creation, makes it a standout example of what the D’Arenberg vineyard and McLaren Vale have to offer. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, this wine is a celebration of resilience, intensity, and the art of winemaking at its finest.

Reviews (23)

23 reviews for Dead Arm Shiraz 2018 D’arenberg

Rated 3 out of 5

Kevin Cyr – June 15, 2022

The Dead Arm Shiraz 2018 D’arenberg is a sensory delight. Dark chocolate, mint and coffee notes blend perfectly. Hats off to Chester Osborn and Darenberg Wines.
Rated 5 out of 5

Dalton Cossette – June 25, 2022

The D’Arenberg vineyard has struck gold with this dead arm shiraz. It’s a harmonious blend of blackcurrant, cherry and earthy tones.
Rated 3 out of 5

Tracey Prince – June 25, 2022

This Darenberg Wines’ offering is a delight. The d arenberg shiraz has a rich tobacco and licorice profile, with a hint of blueberry. Quite addictive!
Rated 4 out of 5

Joyce Minert – September 21, 2022

The d’arenberg shiraz is a joy to the senses. You’ll love the bursts of chocolate and black fruit. Free shipping on 12 bottles makes it a steal!
Rated 3 out of 5

Dominic Bridgewater – October 9, 2022

I’ve always been a fan of d’arenberg shiraz but this Dead Arm Shiraz is another level. The complex flavors of vanilla, chocolate, and black fruit create a rich, smooth taste. Plus, free shipping on 12 bottles? Yes, please!
Rated 3 out of 5

Dave Cass – December 20, 2022

The d’arenberg shiraz is a burst of cassis, black cherry and cedar flavors. A true testament to D’Arenberg vineyard’s winemaking skills.
Rated 3 out of 5

Timothy Thompson – January 16, 2023

The d’arenberg shiraz from D’Arenberg Wines is a must-try. The cedar and dark chocolate notes are divine. Don’t miss out on their free shipping on 12 bottles.
Rated 5 out of 5

Roy Wilmoth – February 27, 2023

Darenberg Wines’ dead arm shiraz is a treat. The blend of pepper, leather and chocolate flavors is simply sublime.
Rated 4 out of 5

Loren Hausauer – March 3, 2023

D’Arenberg Wines’ d arenberg shiraz is a gem. The cocoa, violet and menthol notes are beautifully balanced. Plus, they offer free shipping on 12 bottles.
Rated 4 out of 5

Estelle Ferguson – April 4, 2023

The d arenberg shiraz is a sensory delight. Red fruit, raspberry and a sprinkle of cinnamon make it a perfect accompaniment to a hearty meal.
Rated 5 out of 5

Kyle Kipp – June 12, 2023

The Dead Arm Shiraz 2018 D’arenberg is a poetic blend of eucalyptus, dark fruit and blackcurrant. Chester Osborn, you’re a genius!
Rated 5 out of 5

Jason Terry – June 13, 2023

D’Arenberg Winery’s dead arm shiraz is exceptional. The balance of licorice, blueberry and smoke flavors is just perfect.
Rated 3 out of 5

Crystal Feldkamp – June 27, 2023

The Dead Arm Shiraz 2018 D’arenberg is a masterpiece. Bursting with smoke, cassis and black cherry notes. Chester Osborn is a true winemaking genius.
Rated 5 out of 5

Peggy Birch – July 7, 2023

Darenberg Wines never disappoints and the d arenberg shiraz is no exception. It’s a beautiful dance of oak, pepper and leather notes in each sip.
Rated 4 out of 5

Amy Olson – July 8, 2023

The Dead Arm Shiraz 2018 D’arenberg is a delight! Its blackberry and plum notes are balanced perfectly with a hint of oak and pepper. It’s like a party in my mouth, and everyone’s invited!
Rated 4 out of 5

Jonathan Wright – July 12, 2023

The dead arm shiraz from the D’Arenberg Winery is simply irresistible. It’s a glorious blend of minerals, mocha and mushroom notes.
Rated 5 out of 5

Charles Wood – September 15, 2023

The D’Arenberg Winery has outdone itself with this one. The Dead Arm Shiraz is a symphony of flavors – from blackcurrant and cherry to earthy tobacco and licorice. Winemaker Chester Osborn deserves a standing ovation for this masterpiece!
Rated 3 out of 5

Dwight Oxendine – October 16, 2023

Exquisite dead arm shiraz from the D’Arenberg Winery, with enticing flavors of eucalyptus and dark fruit. Perfect for a cozy dinner.
Rated 4 out of 5

Louisa Freeman – October 17, 2023

The Dead Arm Shiraz 2018 D’arenberg is quite a revelation. Complex flavors of blackberry, plum and hints of vanilla. Chester Osborn has outdone himself.
Rated 4 out of 5

Noel Werner – November 6, 2023

The d’arenberg shiraz is a symphony of flavors. From blackberry to vanilla to oak, every sip is a new experience. Thank you, D’Arenberg vineyard.
Rated 3 out of 5

Josephine Perez – December 29, 2023

The Dead Arm Shiraz 2018 D’arenberg is an explosion of flavors. The clove, jam and tar notes are a testament to Chester Osborn’s genius.
Rated 4 out of 5

William Keller – January 24, 2024

Get lost in the intoxicating mint and coffee flavors of the dead arm shiraz. Another superb creation from the D’Arenberg Winery.
Rated 5 out of 5

Antonio Bussman – February 24, 2024

The d arenberg shiraz from D’Arenberg Wines is a delight. It’s a beautiful mix of cherry, earthy and tobacco flavors. Plus, they offer free shipping on 12 bottles.

Add a review

Shipping calculator

Faq

What is Dead Arm Shiraz?

Dead Arm Shiraz is a premium, intensely flavored wine from D’Arenberg Winery in McLaren Vale, known for its rich blend of dark fruits, spices, and earthy notes. Named after a vine disease that reduces yield but enhances flavor intensity, it embodies resilience and complexity, aging gracefully with a robust structure.

What is the typical flavor of Australian shiraz?

Australian Shiraz typically boasts bold, robust flavors with a rich profile of dark fruits like blackberry, plum, and cherry. It often carries spicy undertones of black pepper and licorice, complemented by smoky, toasty notes from oak aging. The warm climate contributes to its full-bodied nature and smooth tannins.

Why is it called dead arm Shiraz?

Dead Arm Shiraz is named after a vine disease called Eutypa lata, which causes one arm of the vine to wither and die. The remaining part of the vine produces grapes with extraordinarily concentrated flavors. This adversity results in a rich, intense wine, celebrated for its depth and complexity.

Critical Acclaim

WS 91

Wine Spectator

Dense, with toothsome tannins that add a firm background to tangy blackberry and blueberry flavors, with notes of crushed rock and fresh earth, spices, tobacco and toasted cedar. Firming finish, where strong laurel bay leaf and sage accents linger.

WE 92

Wine Enthusiast

Rich, heady aromas of mint, mocha, ground pepper, plum and black currant preserves lead to an equally powerful, dense palate that’s wound in muscular, dusty tannins. This is a massive wine now, but everything is in place for it to go the distance—a decade, at least.

JS 96

James Suckling

Quite expressive and exotic, with red plums, blackberries and iodine, as well as dried herbs and nori, quite fragrant spices and currants. The palate has a sleek, dense and long feel, with impressive fruit intensity, delivered in such contained and impressively composed style. This has such length and intensity with a silky texture. Old vines underpin the style here. Drink over the next decade or more.