Hewitson Rowland Flat Shiraz 2021
- 95
- $50
- Drink by: 2023-2033
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The vines come from vineyards along the Para River, which assists in allowing for a long, cooler ripening, something that is always desirable. A high percentage of whole bunches is included for the ferment, which spends its first three weeks in vats before moving to barrel. The wine then spent a further 14 months maturing before blending and bottling. Very dark maroon in colour. There is considerable power here, coiled and brooding. Chocolate, plums, tobacco leaves, mocha and coffee beans. This needs time, but it will be seriously exciting when finally ready. Give it three to four years and then enjoy over a decade. Good focus and silky soft tannins, which are ever so slightly chewy plus impressive concentration throughout. A lovely wine which will thrill many.
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.
