d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier 2003 750mL

With a considerable portion of this wine being naturally fermented (no yeast added), the wine reveals earthy aromas of salami, game, and lipstick. These characters prevail on the palate with a smooth glycerol impact following through to the mid-palate, with the exotic characters growing and combining with tannins and a long complex finish.Structurally, the 2003 ‘Laughing Magpie’ is as full-bodied as the 2002 release with a more complex, rich mouth-feel, ending with a beautifully balanced array of fine, rich tannins

Wine Spectator  Dense, dark and dangerous, a smooth-textured red that comes on strong with dried blueberry, cherry and Asian spice. The flavors sing loud, with remarkable harmony on the full-throttle finish. ..... read more

Wine Advocate  Not quite as successful as the brilliant 2001 and 2002, but still outstanding, the 2003 The Laughing Magpie Shiraz/Viognier is not as powerful or rich as its two older siblings. Nevertheless, it is an impressive red offering an exotic nose of lychee nuts, honeysuckle, apricot marmalade, blackberries, and cassis. Expressive, full-bodied, and soft, but more superficial than usual, it is a flamboyant effort. ..... read more