Dandelion Vineyards Faraway Tree at McLaren Vale Grenache 2022
- 96
- $120
- Drink by: 2024-2032
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We are seeing more and more great Grenache from regions like McLaren Vale and the Barossa and this sits comfortably with the best of them. The team describe it as their portal to the alternative reality of McLaren Vale Grenache. Possibly, but I think it is doing pretty well in this reality, before we go all Star Trek on it. This is from a single vineyard overlooking Willunga, grown biodynamically. Half was crushed over whole bunches into open top fermenters. Ten days fermentation then basket pressed into French oak barrels, one-third new, with a year’s maturation. A deep red/crimson colour, the wine has a gorgeous nose; cherries, raspberries, bay leaves, dried herbs, strawberries and gentle spices. Mulberries, plums and floral notes. There is a supple texture here, appealingly creamy. Fine silky tannins, juicy palate and serious length. Enjoy for the next six to eight years. A really cracking Grenache, no matter whatever reality you call home. So much to like here.
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.
