WTN: d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier 2006

Starts out with some meaty aromas and underlying dark berry. An initial sweetness gives way to dry, meaty, savory flavors. Rich and very long finish. After 30 minutes in the decanter, sweet fruit coming out. Rounded. After an hour, a bit of creamy oak, chocolate and red berries. Layered and complex. Although very young, it's a surprisingly drinkable wine with only moderate tannins. I'm sure time can only improve this wine. Excellent.

[Jenise]

Always have liked this wine, thanks for the report. Btw, have you ever visited the winery and met the laughing magpies? They're very territorial and often attack visitors. Wearing a hat between the parking area and the tasting room door is highly reccomended.

We had this recently at an all Aussie tasting (see Jason's spot on notes http://www.wineloverspage.com/forum/village/viewtopic.php?t=12537)...and it was heads-shoulders-waist and knees above the other wines...

Very elegant, structured, stylish wine...yes in a somewhat bigger style...but big can be good, and this shows it...and at a pretty reasonable price (20ish???)

Never been there but I'll watch out for the birds if I do.

Never been there but I'll watch out for the birds if I do.

This Sunday is the big Xmas Bird Count day everywhere over here. Edmonton is the Black-billed Magpie capitol of N America, close to 5000 counted each year!

http://www.mdbrodie.com/birding/black-billed_magpie.jpg