Byron and Harold The Partners Shiraz 2017
- 95
- $60
- Drink by: 2022 - 2028
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Shiraz might be the first grape one thinks of when talking Great Southern. And this, the oldest of the trio of releases from here, is compelling evidence of just why. Thrilling stuff. This was machine harvested and then destemmed/crushed into 8 tonne fermenters. Cold soaked with twice daily pumpovers, the wine then spent eighteen months in French oak for maturation.
Dark maroon in colour, this is beautifully perfumed. Dark berries, licorice, cigar box notes, dry herbs, mulberries and a hint of chocolate. There is good focus with a supple and seductive texture, impressive length with ever-so-silky tannins. Coffee grind notes emerge on the palate and there is a lovely hint of bitterness on the finish. Love it.
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.
