Henschke Johann’s Garden 2023
- 93
- $65
- Drink by: 2025-2033
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A Barossa blend of Grenache (60%) and Mataro (40%), which were made discretely, with seven months maturation in older oak hogsheads, before the components were eventually blended. The vines are categorised as Barossa Old Vines and the influence of the Grenache is to the fore at this early stage. A crimson garnet hue, there are notes of leather, herbs and spices, cherries and other red fruits, root vegetables and a touch of cold tea. A silken texture, bright acidity, fine tannins and medium length – this wine has it all. This is a cracker but there is room for improvement over 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.
