Kilikanoon Attunga 1865 Shiraz 2018
- 97
- $250
- Drink by: 2022-2042
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Planted in 1865, so this ancient Clare Valley vineyard provides fruit from some of the oldest Shiraz vines on the planet. The crop is usually around one tonne per acre from a vineyard located just to the north of Auburn, for those who know the Clare. This wine is not released every year, but a superb vintage such as 2018 was a certainty. Deep maroon in colour, the nose is concentrated and powerful, and yet utterly alluring. Imagine a handful of rich, fertile soil, dark chocolate, delicatessen notes, dried herbs, cassis and leather. Plums, soy notes, licorice and beef stock too – the hits just keep coming! The texture is supple and seamless and the wine is finely balanced. Good fresh acidity runs the length and there are delightfully silky tannins. Intensity is maintained throughout so feel free to drink any time over the next two decades.
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.
