Hewitson Monopole Mother Vine Shiraz 2019
- 96
- $150
- Drink by: 2022-2042
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This single vineyard Shiraz dates back to 1853. Dean Hewitson owns and manages the vineyard and the vines have come originally from a ‘selection clonale’ from one ancient old Shiraz vine which dates back to 1853. Amazing stuff and a great example of the incredible treasures to be found in the vineyards of the Barossa. Usually one-third use of whole bunches with the remainder crushed and destemmed. The wine will spend around two years in a mix of new and seasoned French oak barriques. Near impenetrable maroon in colour, the nose is seriously concentrated with chocolate, plums, mocha, coffee beans, leather, licorice, soy, warm earth, beef stock – the flavours and aromas seem endless. Nicely balanced, with good complexity and a thoroughly seductive texture. Good focus, very fine tannins and great intensity as well on a very long finish. It will drink well for ten to twenty years with ease – amazing stuff.
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.
