Winery notes (2018 Vintage)
"The Kookaburra is a native Australian bird famous for its distinctive laughing call, Chester's young daughters named them 'Laughing Magpies'. The Magpie plumage is black with a stripe of white feathers, representing McLaren Vale's first ever blend combining the (black) Shiraz and its white partner, Viognier.
A classic northern Rhône blend, Shiraz with a little touch of Viognier. Very perfumed, black and red berries. A vibrant concoction. the Shiraz brings black fruits, plums, black cherries, and the small parcel of co-fermented Viognier brings stone fruits like peach and a touch of apricot. This makes for a very savoury and harmonious bond between the two varieties. This is certainly a wine that will benefit from careful cellaring for many years to come."
93/100 JamesSuckling.com (2018 Vintage)
"One of the modern classics for d’Arenberg, this is fermented with a high proportion of lightly pressed viognier skins and then has shiraz added late in the elevate to tone the viognier influence into balance. The aromas are fresh, richly spicy and lead by exuberantly ripe blackberries and dark plums with toasted spices and meaty elements. The palate has such richness and exotic, powerful tannins carry ripe dark plums and berries long and deep. Impressive depth and composure. Drink over the next decade."