Bec Hardy Nature Foundation Barbara Hardy McLaren Vale Shiraz 2021
- 93
- $20
- Drink by: 2022-2032
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Lots to unpack here. This is a tribute to Bec Hardy’s grandmother, Barbara. It is also a wine which contributes to that most worthy cause, the Nature Foundation ($3 from every bottle purchased going to the Foundation – check out their work at https://www.naturefoundation.org.au/), which is celebrating its 40th anniversary and was co-founded by Barbara Hardy. And it is a cracking red – top region and superb vintage – chockful of flavour, which represents great value. What more do you need? Deep purple in colour, yet bright and vivid, there is good concentration here with power and plush plums, florals and chocolate. This fine McLaren Vale Shiraz is also supple on the palate with good length, with abundant though very fine tannins. Surely has a decade ahead of it so it ridiculously good value. Indeed, stock away a case in the cellar to celebrate the Foundation’s 50th anniversary.
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.
