Winemaker Notes
These same characters are also evident on the palate and prevail with a smooth glycerol impact, following through to the mid palate with fruity tannin. The structure has an accent on fine structure and gritty long fruit tannin.After time in bottle the d'Arenberg's Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier's flavors should intensify. The restrained tannin and acidity will produce a seamless velvety rolling length with age.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep garnet-brick colored, the 2002 The Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier gives notes of prunes and dried mulberry over tobacco, sandalwood, spice box and pencil lead. Open, expressive and drinking beautifully right now, the palate is very spicy with pleasant chocolate and savory flavors textured by firm velvety tannins. It finishes long with just enough freshness. Drink it now to 2016+.
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.