Frederick BLK 398 Shiraz Grenache Barossa Valley 2021
- 94
- $50
- Drink by: 2024-2036
Share
For me, of all the wines from their latest release, this is the one that most excited me. Limited in production (it says “100”, but I’ve no idea if that is 100 bottles, cases or swimming pools), the colour here is an inky black maroon. Plushness and generosity is the hallmark of this Shiraz Grenache blend. There are notes of dried herbs, bay leaves, blackberries, mocha and coffee beans. There is a supple texture with vibrant acidity that is juicy and seductive with very good length, there really is much to like. Enjoy over the next ten to twelve years or more.
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.
