d'Arenberg The Footbolt Old Vine Shiraz 2005 750mL

A dark, exciting looking wine with a cherry red hue. Initially dominated by roasted plum and cherry notes. Elements of spice, spearmint and smoke are quite elegant and refined which suggest a cooler year. As the wine opens up, there is strong emphasis on red fruits such as Satsuma plums, cranberries, mulberry and cherries mixed with characters of carob and a savoury edge similar to cut flower stems. The palate is complex, layered and is very precise with a firm, mineral boundary that suppresses the fruit yet the finish is surprising soft and long and very red in flavour. The balance of the red fragrant fruits and dark berries with the oak seems more noticeable than in previous years. The length and intensity of flavour is a great attribute of this wine; the flavours continue to linger on and on.

Wine Advocate  The 2005 The Footbolt Shiraz was aged for 12-18 months in a mix of new and used French and American oak. Purple-colored, it exhibits an aromatic array of fresh herbs, plum, cranberry, and black cherry. Medium-to full-bodied, on the palate spicy blueberry and licorice notes emerge. The wine has very good depth and concentration, ripe tannin, and a medium-long finish.. ..... read more

International Wine Cellar  Bright purple. Impressively perfumed aromas of powerful dark berries and musky herbs. Fresh, spicy blackberry and cassis flavors are enlivened by tangy minerals and sweetened by a suggestion of floral pastille. Takes a slightly bitter turn on the chewy finish, leaving an impression of licorice. Serve this with something smoky. ..... read more