2008 d'Arenberg "Footbolt" Shiraz McLaren Vale South Australia (Elsewhere $16)

90 points from James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion: "Deep colour; licorice, bitter chocolate and a distinct aroma of candle wax combine on the bouquet; the palate is rich, warm and inviting, with lavish levels of sweet fruit the central theme of the wine." (Aug 2010) 89 points Wine Spectator: "A savory style, with pepper and tobacco character overshadowing the dark plum and berry fruit, but it all comes together deftly on the finish. Drink now through 2013." (06/10) According to Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Jul/Aug 10: "Bright violet. Initially reduced nose of dark berry skin and cherry pit opens up with aeration to offer spicy floral and dark fruit scents and a hint of licorice. Wound pretty tight today and slow to offer much beyond primary fruit in the mouth. Finishes with good grip and focus, repeating the dark fruit skin notes. This needs some time to settle down but there appears to be a lot of fruit here." And from the Wine Enthusiast: "Full bodied, lush and slightly liquorous in style, the 2008 Footbolt is also packed with peppery, slightly herbal balckberry fruit. There's also a hint of menthol. Drink it over the next 12 months." (02/11)