The 1997 d’Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz is a rare and beautifully matured expression of one of McLaren Vale’s most iconic wines. Named after the “dead arm” vine disease — where one arm of the vine slowly dies while the other produces intensely concentrated fruit — this flagship Shiraz has become synonymous with depth, structure and remarkable longevity. The 1997 vintage stands as a classic release from a celebrated era of d’Arenberg winemaking.
The 1997 growing season in McLaren Vale delivered excellent conditions for Shiraz, producing fruit with deep colour, ripe tannins and strong varietal definition. Crafted in d’Arenberg’s traditional, minimal-intervention style, the wine was fermented in open fermenters and matured in a combination of new and used oak, allowing both vineyard character and age-worthiness to shine.
After more than two decades in bottle, the 1997 Dead Arm has evolved into a complex and harmonious wine. The bouquet opens with mature aromas of blackberry, dried plum and mulberry, layered with notes of licorice, leather, tobacco leaf and warm spice. Secondary nuances of cedar, earth, black tea and savoury herbs reflect its graceful evolution.
On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, silky and beautifully resolved. The once-powerful tannins have softened into a refined structure, framing flavours of aged dark fruit, cocoa, anise and savoury earth. A balanced line of acidity provides lift and length, carrying the wine through a long, composed and gently savoury finish.
Now drinking at its peak, the 1997 Dead Arm Shiraz offers a compelling glimpse into the longevity of great McLaren Vale Shiraz and d’Arenberg’s distinctive, traditional style.
Region: McLaren Vale, South Australia
Variety: Shiraz
Alcohol: ~14.5%
Drinking Window: Now – 2028
A mature, complex and beautifully balanced Dead Arm Shiraz — a true classic for collectors and lovers of aged Australian icons.
