Majella Shiraz 2021
- 94
- $35
- Drink by: 2026-2038
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We can start by declaring this sensational Coonawarra Shiraz as a serious contender for the best value red wine of the year. This is such an enjoyable wine at every stage. Fermentation began in various stainless-steel fermenters and was completed in 300-litre barrels. The wine then spent a further year and a half maturing in a mix of French and American oak hogsheads. Black with a dark, vibrant rim, this is plush, ripe and generous. The nose reveals aromas weaving through mocha, chocolate, licorice, cocoa powder and coffee beans. A seductive texture right through to fine, if slightly drying, tannins. The wine has excellent length and is finely balanced. There is certainly room for further improvement over the coming years, and it should drink well for at least the next dozen or so. A seriously good Shiraz and brilliant value.
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.
