Curtis Small Batch McLaren Vale Grenache 2022
- 91
- $80
- Drink by: 2023-2027
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Some years ago, you would have struggled to find a wine labelled Grenache – sure, the grape was used but normally as a support act and often unacknowledged. Now, it is the flavour of the month, the hot new thing (even if a great many of the vines are anything but new, some well over hundred years of age). This is a delicious early release (with a minimalist front label). Deep garnet in colour, there are notes of dark cherries, raspberries, hints of warm earth and slight toasty note. A flick of milk chocolate ties everything together. There is a fine line of acidity, focus and length with sleek tannins. The flavours go deeper on the palate for a wine to enjoy now and over the next three to four years.
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.
