Millon Clare’s Secret Grenache 2023
- 92
- $22
- Drink by: 2025-2035
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The vines which provide the fruit for this intriguing Grenache were planted on the estate’s Armagh Vineyard in the Clare Valley in 2001. A portion of the fruit was fermented as whole bunches. Maturation was in large format old French oak barrels. The colour is a vibrant blood red/magenta while the nose reveals it to be from the savoury end of the spectrum with notes of smoked meats, warm earth, raspberries, mushrooms and an array of red fruits. The wine remains pleasingly perfumed at all times. It is attractively textured with a line of fine acidity and good length, maintaining its intensity for the full journey. The palate sees the emergence of some spicy notes. A ten year proposition, longer if required, there is lots to like here.
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.
