Lou Miranda 1898 Centenarian Old Vine Shiraz Mourvèdre 2018
- 94
- $85
- Drink by: 2023-2043
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A blend of ancient Barossa Shiraz and Mourvèdre from the Angel’s Block vineyard, planted in 1898 (fair bet it was not called Mourvèdre back then – likely Mataro or perhaps even Esparte). From the wonderful 2018 vintage, just 1,466 bottles made. The maturation took place in American oak. The wine is the colour of black cherries. This is fresh and still very youthful. Possibly a touch more austere than the straight Shiraz, but with surely have an even longer future – at least 15 to 20 years. Seriously intense, there are notes of tobacco leaves, blackcurrants, animal skins and chocolate. The tannins are slightly furry and there is good focus with stellar length and impressive balance.
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.
