Hugh Hamilton The Rascal Shiraz 2021
- 95
- $34.50
- Drink by: 2022-2032
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Named after Hugh himself – ‘Rascal’ was his father’s nickname for him – Shiraz and McLaren Vale go together like Lillee and Thommo, Fred and Ginger, Kardashian and celebrity. The team suggest gin and tonic (fine), Bogie and Bacall (absolutely, and if you are too young to remember, some great movies ahead of you) and the Royal Family and corgi dogs – perhaps, but given recent events, perhaps the jury might be out on that one for now. Opaque black hue, this is quintessential warm climate Shiraz – notes of mocha, spices, coffee beans and chocolate. A classic McLaren Vale Shiraz, it is still exhibiting the first bloom of youth and the freshness that goes with it. Layered, plush and seamless, there are ever-so-silky tannins on a very long finish with a fine flicker of acidity that runs the length. While it will drink beautifully for six to ten years, it is already delicious now.
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.
