Hewitson Ned & Henry’s Shiraz 2020
- 92
- $30
- Drink by: 2021-2029
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Dean Hewitson set himself the challenge of crafting a full-flavoured Barossa red using French oak, and offering “fine grained tannins, balance, clear fruit expression”, which could be enjoyed now but fits the traditional mould as well. He has more than nailed his own brief. Deep maroon in colour with a lifted, alluring nose. Spices, dry herbs, raspberries, chocolate, soy, beefstock. There is focus, power, line and length. Fine cushiony tannins are found on the long finish. Youthful, but really appealing now. That does not mean it does not have a good future and drinking this wine any time over the next five to eight years will reward.
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.
