Clarnette Clarnette and Ludvigsen Reserve Shiraz 2018
- 94
- $65
- Drink by: 2026-2036
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From an excellent vintage for the region, this Grampians Shiraz, specifically the Great Western sub-region, already has enjoyed an extended period in the cellar. Maturation is for fifteen months in new French oak hogsheads. A magenta rim surrounds a very dark maroon core. The oak integration here is immaculate and it gives the wine an impression of being slightly more seamless than its older sibling, although both wines impress. On the nose we have aromas of dark red fruits, spices, coffee grinds, delicatessen meats and plums. Good balance throughout with excellent length, there is a lingering finish with fine, powdery tannins. It has at least another decade of providing pleasure ahead of 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.
