Gioiello Old House Merlot 2018
- 92
- $45
- Drink by: 2023-2029
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From the Goulburn region, the grapes were de-stemmed and crushed into open-top fermenters, before a gentle pressing into French oak for maturation for 18 months, one-third of the barrels were new. The colour of the wine is a gentle red paired with a classic Merlot nose of plum pudding notes, spices, florals, soy and plums. Oak is evident but well integrated with a layered, supple texture and an attractive undercurrent of acidity. Impressive intensity and very good length, drink now and over the next four to six 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.
