Henschke The Bootmaker Barossa Valley Mataro 2024
- 93
- $40
- Drink by: 2026-2038
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There is not a lot of solo varietal Mataro offered in this country, but it is always fascinating to see one when we get the chance. Barossa Valley fruit maturation was in French oak hogsheads for fourteen months, 5% of them new. Blood red with a crimson rim, the nose reveals aromas of leather, truffles, aniseed, warm earth, coffee grinds and black fruits. There is good intensity here and juicy acidity through to sleek tannins. Quite an appealing texture, this is a power-packed example of Mataro which should continue to impress for at least the next eight 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.
