Angullong Fossil Hill Montepulciano 2021
- 93
- $30
- Drink by: 2023-2031
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An emerging Italian variety (well, emerging here – over there, they know how good it can be), from this evidence, it would seem that the higher altitude of the Orange region makes for an ideal home. Winemaker Jeff Byrne oversaw fermentation in open fermenters before nine months maturation in older French oak puncheons. Vibrant purple, this is richly flavoured with good ripeness, notes of plums, prunes, chocolate, spices and leather, while maintaining finesse and elegance throughout. This is a really good local example of the variety with very fine tannins, good acidity, balance and length. The wine has a good future, at least five to eight years. Like it a lot.
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.
