Allegiance Wines Local Legend McLaren Vale GSM 2022
- 93
- $35
- Drink by: 2026-2036
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From an excellent vintage in the McLaren Vale region, the blend is 29% Grenache, 28% Shiraz and 28% Mataro. Either someone has maths skills on a par with my own or there are some other varieties making a contribution as well. No matter. The grapes were destemmed and then basket-pressed into a mix of new and seasoned French oak barriques, to complete the fermentation which began in five-tonne open fermenters. The final wine is a barrel selection. This is excellent value. Dark blood red with a crimson rim, there are some hints of early maturity emerging. The structure is seamless and the wine is well balanced. There are notes of mushrooms, black olives, cocoa powder, smoked meats, dried herbs and aniseed. Quite a supple texture, through to a long and lingering finish with sleek tannins. Lots to like here and the wine should provide pleasure for the next decade.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
