d'Arenberg – The Dead Arm Shiraz 2001 – McLaren Vale Australia

d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz 2001 is one of McLaren Vale's iconic wines, made from old low-yielding vines by one of the region's longtime champions. Foot-trodden, basket-pressed, and bottled unfined and unfiltered, it is powerful, concentrated, and built to age.

🍷 At a Glance

• Grape: Shiraz
• Region: McLaren Vale, South Australia
• Vintage: 2001
• Producer: d'Arenberg (Osborn family)
• Vinification: Foot-trodden, basket-pressed, fermented and matured in French and American oak barriques; unfined and unfiltered
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Serving temperature: 16–18°C
• Style: Dry red wine

👃 Tasting Notes & Experience

• Color: Deep, opaque purple with maturing garnet
• Nose: Blackberry, chocolate, licorice, cassis, and earthy spice
• Palate: Full-bodied and concentrated with dark fruit and mocha oak
• Structure: Firm, spicy tannins and fresh acidity
• Finish: Long, powerful, and grippy

The Dead Arm takes its name from a vine disease that kills one arm of the vine, leaving the survivor to produce intensely concentrated fruit. That concentration defines the wine: rich, powerful, and structured, with excellent oak integration and the balance to age for decades. Now with substantial bottle age, this 2001 is a rare chance to drink a mature vintage of a McLaren Vale classic.

❤️ Why We Love It

• An iconic McLaren Vale Shiraz from old, low-yielding vines
• Traditional foot-treading and basket-pressing, bottled unfined and unfiltered
• A mature vintage with real cellar provenance

🍽️ Food Pairing Ideas

• Slow-braised beef short ribs
• Grilled or roast lamb
• Hard aged cheeses

👤 Who This Wine Is For

✓ Collectors of iconic, age-worthy Australian Shiraz
✓ Drinkers who love powerful, concentrated, mature reds
✕ Not ideal if you prefer light, delicate, early-drinking styles