Knappstein Malbec 2021
- 93
- $22
- Drink by: 2023-2035
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Usually a useful blending component, straight Malbec is not unknown but rarely gets anyone too excited. This just might be a thrilling exception – it is certainly a well-priced one. A Clare Valley Malbec, the colour is a vibrant garnet while the nose offers warm earth, dark berries, chocolate, tobacco leaf notes, coffee grinds and a character reminiscent of the juice from a tin of beetroot. Supple tannins too, with really impressive length and a well balanced finish. A very fine example of Malbec which should provide pleasure for at least the next seven to twelve years.
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.
