Bethany LE Reserve Eden Valley Shiraz 2020
- 96
- $75
- Drink by: 2023-2043
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LE does not stand for Limited Edition as one might expect (including ‘Reserve’ in the name might then have been a little bit of overkill), but rather Lawrence and Edna Schrapel, fourth generation of the family, who for over half a century were the custodians of the Bethany Vineyard. The grapes are sourced from a single vineyard in the Flaxman Valley subregion of the Eden Valley, matured in French oak and under cork. Purple/magenta, the nose is an intriguing mix of aromas. Redcurrants, spices, cloves, rose petals, bacon fat, cocoa powder, plums and aniseed. A gorgeously slippery and sleek palate. A fine line of acidity, great length with the intensity maintained throughout, and exemplary balance. More chocolate emerges on the palate which is utterly delicious. Drink over the next fifteen to twenty 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.
