Castel Firmian Lagrein 2021
- 91
- $30
- Drink by: 2022-2030
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Lagrein is a variety native to northern Italy and best known for producing wines which are both high in acidity and in tannins, but offering appealing plums, darker fruits and earthy tones. Slightly old-fashioned (in a nice way), they can be full, without being clumsy. This example is deep magenta in colour. We have notes of chocolate, soy, bay leaves and cassis, as well as hints of charcuterie and that bitter almond/sour cherry note on the finish of the palate, tying the wine together with saturated flavours, impressive length, fine but noticeable tannins and bright acidity. This is appealing now but should age well for six to eight years and one can expect the ranking to go higher over that time.
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.
