Hobbs of Barossa Tin Lids Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
- 93
- $50
- Drink by: 2022-2030
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Peter Schell has emerged as one of the serious talents in Barossa winemaking and, yet, he has done it without resorting to the over the top blockbusters which are so rife in the region. His team has provided us with a fine example of the great Aussie blend from Barossa Ranges fruit (a 60/40 blend). Made from handpicked grapes and an excellent vintage, it was naturally fermented in open 500 litre vats with daily hand plunging and then spent a year maturing in aged French hogsheads. Inky purple in colour, the nose has focus but still offers some oomph and punch, but always nicely kept in check and well balanced. Notes of chocolate, mocha, tobacco leaf, leather, licorice and coffee beans. The palate is seamless and exhibits a delightful touch of freshness throughout with a lingering finish. Full of flavour, the wine has an unexpected lightness, which really appeals. So much to like here and five to eight years, likely more, ahead of it.
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.
