Barton Rise & Barton View Shiraz Old Vines Barossa Valley 2018
- 97
- $150
- Drink by: 2025-2037
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From one of the great vintages of the century for the Barossa region, this is just what one would seek in their old vine Shiraz. Under cork. Opaque/black in colour with a dark maroon edge, there is an immediate impression of vanillin oak, but handsomely integrated. The nose exhibits notes of chocolate, graphite, mocha, coffee beans, cocoa powder, truffles and sage. This is a textbook Barossa Valley blockbuster. The palate sees molten chocolate, cassis and blackberries – those cassis and chocolate notes never waver. Obvious? Yes, but who cares. A cushiony texture, silk tannins and a structure that is just supple, seductive and plush at all times. Love it. This is not a subtle style, but if you are drinking top-notch Barossa Shiraz, you are not seeking subtlety. Ten to twelve years.
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.
