D’Arenberg The McLaren Sands Hills Grenache 2016
- 95
- $80
- Drink by: 2026-2036
Share
As with others in the series, the production methods are as previously noted. 2016 was a superb vintage for the region and that is reflected throughout these wines. Maroon with a russet rim, the nose exhibits aromas weaving through coffee beans, kirsch, stewed plums, dried herbs, liqueur cherries, raspberries and coffee grinds. There is very good focus here and some serious length, with the intensity maintained throughout. The wine finishes with plenty of grip, with noticeably fine tannins. The palate reveals notes of blackberries and aniseed. For enjoying over the next eight to ten 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.
