D'Arenberg Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier 2001

Vivid dark purple in color. The viognier adds fragrance and the perfume of flowers, nectarines, ginger and herbs, serving to enhance the very ripe spectrum of the shiraz - blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry. These same characters are also evident on the palate and prevail with a smooth glycerol impact, following through to the mid palate with fruity tannin. The structure has an accent on fine structure and gritty long fruit tannin. After time in bottle the d'Arenberg's Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier's flavors should intensify. The restrained tannin and acidity will produce a seamless velvety rolling length with age.

Shiraz pairs nicely with barbecued foods, grilled foods, dark meats, strong game, hearty ripe cheeses and lamb - hearty foods. It also goes well with Indian, Mexican, and other spicy foods.