Bethany First Village Barossa Valley GSM 2021
- 95
- $29
- Drink by: 2022-2027
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The First Village Collection includes a fabulous Eden Valley Riesling, a delicious crisp Rosé and this red blend – and being the Barossa, no surprise that for me, the pick of the litter is this cracking GSM. Love it. And what value! The parcels come from Estate vineyards and some neighbouring ones. Fermentation was by way of whole berries with varying periods of skin contact, lasting between one and two weeks, with twice daily pumpovers. There was a small portion of whole bunches also included. Maturation took place in a mix of older oak and stainless steel tanks for nine months.
Deep purple hue, the wine opens with a cracking rich, ripe Barossa nose. Notes of chocolate, cassis, coffee beans, mocha, florals and blackcurrants. A soft and supple texture with a flick of acidity carrying the wine to its persistent and lingering finish supported by cashmere-like tannins. Drink now for five years, though it will go longer if you must.
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.
