D’Arenberg’s flagship is the 2006 The Dead Arm Shiraz. Opaquepurple-colored, the nose is reticent but gives up aromas of meat,bacon, game, truffles, blueberry, and blackberry. Firm, layered, andcomplex, this beautifully rendered Shiraz demands a decade ofcellaring. It will be superb from 2018 to 2036.

Opaque ruby. Blackberry and candiedcherry on the nose, with suave graphite and anise qualities addingcomplexity. Deep and rich but also focused, with powerful dark berrypreserve flavors and a late kick of iron. There's lots going on here,and this energetic wine is still painfully young. Finishes withmounting sweetness and a strong echo of minerals. By Josh Raynolds
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - 93 points.