d'Arenberg "Dead Arm" Shiraz 2005

Opaque purple.

A deep, oozing nose - saline, medicinal/gamey, pepper, dried fig and popcorn.

Round and mouth-filling initially, then hemmed in by an acid/saline edge that coats the front teeth. Coconut also shows up, unfortunately. This, again, seems completely dis-jointed, for no reason. There is no question that the raw material is superb, but you have to question the handling.

A great contrast to the Pertinace, which is also massively structured.

Day 3 - Oak oil and nut as new aromatic contributions. Deep and plush, initially. Then acid-enhanced tannin drives pleasure out of the mouth. Who knows, maybe this will freely express at some point.

I don't get it.

$65