Arila Gardens Shiraz Grenache Old Vines 2022
- 93
- $150
- Drink by: 2023-2029
Share
A fine Barossa blend, this has a maroon/purple hue and a nose that offers spices, coffee beans, chocolate, bay leaves, mocha and cigar box notes. Delightfully attractive but at this stage, it is still extremely youthful. This seems to come through looking at the structure, which does appear to be slightly leaner than some. A year or two in the cellar should more than rectify that and see the wine develop extra levels. Fine acidity, sleek tannins, good length to enjoy over the next half dozen years, during which period, the score should elevate itself.
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.
