Arila Gardens Gardens of Moppa GSM 2021
- 94
- $40
- Drink by: 2022-2030
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The emergence of the wonderful and classic Barossa wines from Arila Gardens has been a highlight over recent years. This blend hails from a mix of local Moppa vineyards with a cepage of Grenache (56%), Shiraz (39%) and Mataro (5%). The fruit underwent cold soaking for 24 hours and a small percentage of whole bunches were placed at the base of the fermenters, the rest being whole berries. Co-fermentation was in a small open top fermenter for 10 days with gentle pumpovers and also hand plunging, before 14 months in seasoned French oak hogsheads on lees. It was then bottled without fining.
Deep magenta in colour, a lovely nose here, just bursting with cherries, florals, spices, cocoa powder, licorice and tobacco leaf notes. Plush and seamless, the palate sees the emergence of chocolate notes. The wine has concentration and focus. Expect it to drink well for the next five to eight years, though it is delicious now. A fine example of the blend.
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.
