92 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2005

One of the most successful offerings in d’Arenberg’s portfolio is the impressive 2004 The Laughing Magpie Shiraz/Viognier (94% of the former and 6% of the latter). Not surprisingly, this is a flamboyant, exuberant, deep ruby/purple-colored effort exhibiting plenty of sweet blackberry and cassis intermixed with touches of marmalade and honeysuckle. Nearly over the top, it should drink well for 7-8 years.

90 points,

Stephen Tanzer's IWC, August 2005

($35) Deep, bright red. High-toned, vibrant strawberry liqueur, raspberry and spicy redcurrant aromas, with a hint of exotic apricot. Juicy and fresh on the palate, with strong, distinctly red fruit notes of wild strawberry and raspberry preserves. This exotic fruit bomb finishes with a spicy, floral note and a hint of oak spice. 90 points

About Winery

One of the undisputed kings of Australian Shiraz and Rhone varietals. With vineyards over 100 years old and utilizing minimal handling techniques that include the use of 19th century basket presses (for both white and red wines), foot treading and small batch fermentations, the range displays incredible depth, from the flagship Icon's right through to the entry level "The Stump Jump's". Owned by the same family since its founding in 1912 - four generations of learning have provided current Chief Winemaker, Chester Osborn, with an intimate knowledge of his vineyards (now totaling over 270 acres). One of Australia's greatest producers of old vine shiraz and grenache - one of the few wineries to boast vineyards that are over 100 years old - provides the estate with fruit of incredible intensity. A pioneer of McLaren Vale - over the decades d'Arenberg has introduced many wines that have become defining styles for the region and today remains an industry innovator, championing such varieties as viognier, marsanne and roussanne. Unique fruit handling procedures - d'Arenberg is perhaps the only Australian winery to utilize nineteenth century basket presses in making all of its wines (both white and red) - this provides extremely gentle pressing and avoids excessive extraction. Their crushing techniques are so gentle that the odd lizard that gets caught up in the receival bins actually survive! Foot treading (in rubber waders!) of the red varieties is a time honored practice at d'Arenberg.

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