Cape Barren The Vale Shiraz 2021
- 94
- $160
- Drink by: 2025-2037
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Only eighteen barrels of this fine McLaren Vale Shiraz are made, from this stellar vintage. Under diam. The colour is a deep maroon/red, while the nose is chock full of mulberries, blackcurrants, cloves, bergamot, florals, beef stock, raspberries, florals, miso and aniseed. The oak is in the process of integration and doing well. Supple, intense, finely balanced and with bright acidity, there are fine though noticeable tannins and the finish lingers and lingers. Very attractive and should remain so for the next eight to twelve 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.
