Ranked #4 of 17 2002 Shiraz from McLaren Vale
95/100
5 Stars
Huon Hooke
Deep brick-red colour with a tawny rim. Raisins, crushed ants, a twist of peppermint. Very elegant, intense wine, but less fleshy than some vintages. Lovely wine, very fine, graceful and long. Great stuff.
Tasted: 02/02/2012
Drink: 2012 to 2022
93 Points Robert Parker
After re-tasting the 2002 The Dead Arm Shiraz, I believe my initial rating is correct. It still plays it close to the vest, exhibiting loads of cassis, asphalt, smoke, and barbecue spice-like aromas along with full-bodied flavors. While well-made and impressive, it remains backward and restrained, and does not appear to be up to the quality of either the 2003 or the great 2001.
Source: Robert Parker (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) by Robert M. Parker, Jr. October, 2005
94 Points James Halliday
Clean and quite fragrant; abundant blackberry and dark chocolate fruit; controlled extract and good balance. Poor quality cork. Drink to 2015.
James Halliday. June, 2021
After re-tasting the 2002 The Dead Arm Shiraz, I believe my initial rating is correct. It still plays it close to the vest, exhibiting loads of cassis, asphalt, smoke, and barbecue spice-like aromas along with full-bodied flavors. While well-made and impressive, it remains backward and restrained, and does not appear to be up to the quality of either the 2003 or the great 2001. Source: Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) October, 2005 by Robert Parker