Ballandean Fiano 2021
- 92
- $32
- Drink by: 2021 - 2023
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Clean and clear, this is a cracking Fiano. Crisp with dry herbs and spices, there are notes of lemon curd and even a crème brulee character. More complex than many examples, but utterly delicious drinking now. Winemaker Dylan Rhymer has aimed more for that richer Italian style than what is often offered here. And it works. The Granite Belt is proving ideal for this Italian white variety. This is indeed full of flavour and there is a slightly bracing minerally undertow. The palate moves more to the tropical than the citrus on the nose and gives an impression of fruit sweetness. Good acidity, good length and excellent balance. Delicious.
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.
