D’Arenberg The Wild Pixie Shiraz 2021
- 94
- $35
- Drink by: 2025-2040
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From the superb 2021 vintage, again we have a dollop of Roussanne co-fermented with the Shiraz. Fermentation is completed in older French oak followed by maturation therein. Opaque maroon in colour with a vibrant purple rim, the wine has a lovely and expressive nose. This is a real step up from the previous vintage, only to be expected. We have notes of chocolate, plums, hints of cedar, coffee bean, cassis, mocha and some beautiful vanillin touches from the impeccable oak integration. Finely balanced, there is concentration throughout, with the wine finishing with sleek tannins. Serious length here, the wine should provide pleasure for at least the next twelve to fifteen 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.
