Bethany First Village Barossa Shiraz 2021
- 92
- $35
- Drink by: 2023-2029
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Yet another excellent wine from the sensational 2021 vintage, the fruit here was placed in oak hogsheads after fermentation, for 12 to 18 months maturation. Near black/purple in colour, the nose gives us the proverbial cornucopia of aromas – aniseed, chocolate, cocoa, bay leaves, spices, old cigar box notes and cassis. This is supple, fresh and delicious, taking full advantage of the nature of 2021. Sleek tannins, the palate moves to coffee beans, soy and tobacco leaves with that chocolate always present. Very good length, to enjoy now or over the next six 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.
