88 Points James Halliday
Medium red-purple; the aromas are complex and quite scented, with licorice and a range of small, dark berry fruits; the palate is ripe and savoury, slightly thick and chewy thanks to the abundant tannins. Should settle down well with a few more years in bottle. Drink to 2010.
James Halliday. June, 2021
A new member of d'Arenberg's portfolio is the 2000 The Laughing Magpie (a 95% Shiraz/5% Viognier blend aged completely in French oak). It is a fabulous debut effort. I tasted it just after bottling, so it may be even better once it has had a chance to calm down. An opaque purple color is followed by a soaring nose of blackberry and creme de cassis liqueur intermixed with honeysuckle, pepper, and high class French oak. The wine is explosive on the palate, super rich, full-bodied, voluptuous, and powerful, yet seamless and beautifully balanced with well-integrated tannin, wood, and acidity. It should drink well for 15+ years.Source: Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) June, 2001 by Robert Parker