D’Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 2019
- 93
- $78
- Drink by: 2024-2034
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The famous Rhône blend done McLaren Vale style. Deep magenta in colour, there is a dusty earth note immediately apparent, but which opens up even more if one gives the wine time in the glass. There are also aromas of aniseed, cloves, chocolate, black olives and leather. Brick dust tannins and decent length here, though a touch more intensity – and perhaps that will come with time – would be to the wine’s advantage. The oak seems minimal, suggesting it has been handled in the most deft manner. The palate sees more and more chocolatey notes. The wine has good length and is a ten-year proposition.
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.
