Chateau Yaldara Chalice Barossa Shiraz 2020
- 94
- $100
- Drink by: 2023-2031
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It can be a bit difficult to keep track of what fits where with this ever-ascending Barossa winery but, one thing is certain, their wines just keep getting better, across the board. The 2018 version of this wine was more of a one-trick choc-bomb. This vintage has more arrows in the quiver, but while the chocolate is there, it is not quite so evident – it simply comes down to what style you prefer. Opaque maroon in the glass. This is quite a fleshy nose, if that makes sense. Dry herbs and dark fruits, blackcurrants and cassis with mocha, coffee grinds, roast meats and some alluring fungal notes. That said, I think it picks up further on the palate. A really seductive texture with very good length and cushiony tannins. Dense but balanced and exhibiting early complexity. The oak is superbly integrated. Look at it over the next five to eight years but then it should plateau for some time after that.
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.
