Fox Creek McLaren Vale Limited Release Tempranillo 2022
- 91
- $29
- Drink by: 2023-2026
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Another variety that is proving to be an ideal grape, which is very much at home in McLaren Vale. This Spanish favourite hails from a single vineyard, planted on an ancient sandhill in the centre of the Vale. The fruit is crushed to small stainless steel open fermenters, with hand-plunging twice daily. Gentle pressing to a mix of old French oak puncheons and stainless steel followed, with a further five months devoted to extra maturation. Deep garnet in colour, there are lovely aromatics here. The link between the warm vineyards of McLaren Vale and the hills of Spain are evident in every sniff and taste. We have cherries, roast meats, cranberries, leather, warm earth notes and dry herbs. Very much upfront flavours on the palate, but there is good power and fine tannins. A nice balance between the fruit and the acidity. Drink now and for the next three years, though it will undoubtedly go longer. It would be right at home with roast lamb.
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.
