D'arenberg Shiraz/Viog Magpie 07

d’Arenberg ‘Laughing Magpie’ Shiraz/Viognier 2007, (18.5-/20), at 14.5% alc, 90% Shiraz and 10% Viognier, aged 12 months in U.S. and French barriques, this was purple hued dark ruby red in colour. The bouquet was redolent of black and white pepper with a distinctive ginger and floral lift, providing interest and intrigue. Medium to full bodied, this combined peppery fruit with spices, florals and ginger in a bold, aromatic fruited style. The tannins are very fine-grained, but underscore the palate fruit sweetness. Good long finish. Drink over the next 6-8 years plus.  RC July 10

The daughters of winemaker Chester Osborn named their two wild pet Kookaburras the ‘Laughing Magpies’. This name for the Shiraz (black) and Viognier (white) blend was very appropriate considering the plumage colours of magpies. The fruit from a drought vintage in 2007 has resulted in a wine of dark purple-ruby red colour, intense bouquet of boysenberries, cherries, star anise and jasmine and a complex flavoured palate combining black pepper, juicy dark plums, black olive and earthy flavours, with a tight, elegant structure and fine-grained tannins that are sufficiently supple to allow accessibility. Excellent definition from the acidity and a mineral edge will see the wine hold and develop another 8-10 years. 90% Shiraz and 10% Viognier co-fermented to 14.5% alc. and aged 11 months in American and French oak barriques. Awarded golds at the 2008 Royal Adelaide Wine Show and Blue-Gold at the 2008 Sydney International Wine Competition.  RC Nov 09

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