Arila Gardens Gardens of Moppa Shiraz 2021
- 94
- $40
- Drink by: 2022-2030
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Similar winemaking here for this utterly beguiling Barossa Shiraz, with a tiny “splattering” of whole bunches at the base of the small open top fermenter with the remainder being whole berries. There had previously been a period of 24 hours cold soaking at 12°C. Fermentation took 11 days, again gentle pumpovers and occasional hand plunging before gentle pressing by bag press. Maturation was for 14 months in French oak, 40% of which was one-year-old.
Dark colour, an almost lurid purple. Exuberant yet balanced nose, with spices, mocha, cocoa powder and coffee beans. Plush and luscious, just what one loves in good Barossa Shiraz. Good focus and fine acidity carrying the wine. Nicely balanced, silky tannins and a lingering finish, this will age well for at least 8 years. Love it.
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.
