Curtis Limited Series McLaren Vale Grenache 2020
- 94
- $100
- Drink by: 2022-2032
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Another very fine Grenache, this one from ancient dry grown bush vines which are around 125 years old. Good luck finding that in the Rhône! The wine spent time in a mix of American and French oak, some new and some up to two years of age. A vibrant crimson, the nose is utterly seductive. We have seen so many wonderful Grenache wines in recent years that anyone not yet converted to the glories of this grape is just being contrarian, and this is another example. Tobacco leaf aromas, raspberries, new leather and freshly turned earth, it has seriously good intensity and yet remains rather elegant with more cherry notes on the palate. A silky finish but there is deceptive grip. A fine line of acidity also runs the length and the balance is excellent. This has ten years ahead of it and the score should continue to rise over that time. An alluring McLaren Vale Grenache.
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.
