Eight at the Gate Family Selection Shiraz 2021
- 93
- $48
- Drink by: 2026-2041
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Wonderful to see wines from the superb 2021 vintage still available, especially when they represent such good value. From Wrattonbully, fermentation was in concrete open top fermenters before maturation in a mix of new French and older American and Hungarian oak for two years. Deep mauve with a dark ruby rim, there is good power throughout this wine. On the nose we have notes of chocolate, black fruits, delicatessen meats, black cherries, hints of blueberries, and kirsch, with a touch of the oak still evident. A sleek texture and seamless structure, the wine has very good length and bright energy throughout. The finish lingers pleasingly with satiny tannins. Enjoy over the next ten 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.
