Château Tanunda 50-Year-Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
- 94
- $80
- Drink by: 2025-2040
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We tend to think of the Barossa Valley as overflowing with ancient, gnarly old vines, but in truth, they are a rare and precious commodity. Cabernet vines in excess of fifty years of age represent just 2% of the plantings in the region. Those that provided the fruit for this wine come from the Bethany sub-region. Maturation was for a period of a year and a half in a mix of new and older French oak barriques. Gleaming dark magenta in colour, the nose revolves around notes of mocha, cassis, licorice, chocolate and mulberries, which are supported by aromas of tobacco leaves and plums. Good concentration and balance throughout and we see notes of black fruits and spices emerging on the palate, along with some savoury touches of mushrooms and coffee grinds. Very good length here, through to satiny tannins, the plushness found in the texture is a highlight. Enjoy over the next ten to fifteen 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.
