Clarnette Grampians Durif 2023
- 92
- $35
- Drink by: 2026-2036
Share
Durif from the Great Western region in the Grampians district, at 13.5%, this is considerably lower than what we’ve come to expect for the alcohol usually experienced with this grape. It is a variety which intrigues me as, many years ago when hosting a wine education course, I was soundly berated by one of the those attending for not recognising what she saw to be blatantly obvious, that Durif was the greatest grape on the planet, with nothing else close (I am not making this up). It was an interesting perspective, but not long after our friend went into federal politics (briefly), so how much faith we should place on her views, I’m not sure. This is the first Durif from this team. The wine exhibits a deep purple core with a dark red edge. On the nose, we have notes of plums, chocolate, black fruits and mulberries, with good integration of oak evident and hints of vanilla from it. There is good concentration throughout. Ripe and bold, finishing with fine satiny tannins, this is a wine of force. Eight to ten years. It may not convince anyone that Durif is the greatest grape on the planet, but this example is certainly a thoroughly enjoyable drink, too good for politicians.
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.
