Majella The Malleea 2021
- 95
- $80
- Drink by: 2026-2041
Share
The name is an Aboriginal term referring to ‘green paddock’ and is highly appropriate for the vineyards of Coonawarra. Majella have been making this wine since 1996. Fermentation begins in small static fermenters and is concluded in new French oak barrels. The wine then spends a further year and a half maturing before the final barrel selection is made. The blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Shiraz. This Cab/Shiraz blend is part of what is surely one of the best collections of wines released by this Estate. Opaque maroon, there is power and richness here, as well as finesse, balance and elegance. The nose gives us a range of aromas including blackcurrants, dark fruits, plums, chocolate, cassis, dry herbs and kirsch. There is beautifully integrated oak here, with vanillin and biscuity notes, and decent to very good length, with a supple texture, through to satiny tannins. The intensity is maintained throughout. Enjoy this over the next twelve to fifteen 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.
