Clarnette Grampians Tempranillo 2024
- 90
- $35
- Drink by: 2026-2030
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Always fascinating to see the introduction of new grape varieties into this country, although Tempranillo has now been with us for quite a period. For me, it is one of the most successful of the recent arrivals. The fruit here came from the Great Western district of the Grampians. A dull red/ochre hue, this is very much a savoury style of Tempranillo. We have hints of dry herbs, tomato bushes, animal flesh, rural notes, mulch and mushrooms. Quite a sleek texture in a wine of medium length, which gives the impression that it is going to build even more in the future, on the edifice already in place. The wine finishes with satiny tannins and should impress over at least the next three to four years. There is a pleasing freshness and energy to 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.
