Gioiello Old House Merlot 2019
- 92
- $50
- Drink by: 2024-2032
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Always encouraging to see a straight Merlot stand up and reveal just what the grape can do on its own, rather than as just one more blending component. Time in French oak barriques has contributed to its overall structure. A dark garnet hue. This has notes of roast meats, florals, plums, tobacco leaves, warm earth and spices. It then lifts even further on the palate where there is energy, fine length and good persistence – Ieally like the palate. With good balance, concentration and ever-so-silky tannins, this will drink well for the next six to eight 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.
