Bethany LE Barossa Valley Shiraz 2018
- 95
- $75
- Drink by: 2024 - 2036
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This superb Barossa shiraz is sourced largely from the Eden Valley and blended with grapes from the Homestead block off the Schrapel Vineyards planted in the Barossa Ranges. The wine is a tribute to fourth generation Lawrence and Edna Schrapel who were the custodians of the Bethany vineyard for over 50 years. Again, a proportion of whole berries. Gentle fermentation on the skins for a period of 8 to 10 days, twice daily pumpovers, and then to a combination of new and older French oak for 18 months.
This is so black that it almost appears blue, with a magenta rim. More lifted aromatics here. Violets, florals, perfumes, mulberries, blackberries, warm earth, dry herbs and a hint of clove. Impressive balance, cashmere tannins, fine balance, excellent length. There is a hint of coffee bean on the finish. Just delicious. Drink now or anytime over the next decade or two.
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.
