Hesketh Clare Valley Fiano 2021
- 92
- $24
- Drink by: 2022-2024
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Fiano is quickly proving itself be the most exciting of the emerging white varieties in this country and the Clare Valley is no exception. The team combined both free run juice and light pressings, to aid in the structure on the palate. Fermentation was at cool temperatures in stainless steel, before four months on yeast lees. This is a very pale lemon in colour, with a nose of apricot kernels, spices (the merest whiff of white pepper amongst them?) and nuts, with a solid backing of minerality. Some peach notes emerge as well. There is a pleasing flick of acidity and good piercing length. Nice balance for the full length of the wine, and solid concentration. This is delicious now, but it does have several years in it, if you would prefer the cellar.
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.
