Hastwell & Lightfoot 38 Days Shiraz Cabernet 2016
- 94
- $70
- Drink by: 2024-2036
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The fruit here hails from the team’s estate vineyards in McLaren Vale, with the blend marginally favouring Shiraz over Cabernet – 51% to 49%. Fermentation on skins was over 38 days (hence, the name). The colour is a very deep maroon hue. Even with a few years under its belt, the oak influence is still evident, but integration continues apace. It does mean we have some rather pleasing notes of vanilla and nutmeg, which are more than well supported by chocolate, spicy notes, mocha and more with good concentration. Plums and aniseed continue to emerge, as does coffee beans and more chocolate. A well balanced wine with very fine acidity, silky tannins and a cushiony texture, this is just ever so supple. Excellent length here to enjoy now and for the next ten to twelve 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.
