Monterra Reserve Barossa Shiraz 2021
- 92
- $45
- Drink by: 2022-2030
Share
The Reserve series is a step up on the standard wines, bringing an extra level of intensity and complexity, as one would expect. The vineyards which provided the fruit here, from a superb vintage, are situated in Angaston, in the very heart of the Barossa. Dark maroon in colour, the nose is rich, generous and full-flavoured – classic Barossa Shiraz. Big and bold with a gentle hint of oak which enhances the wine rather than impedes, the fruit here is very much to the fore. Blackberries, plums, chocolate and warm earth flavours show very good length, with fine, silky tannins, and a nice balance between the fine acidity and rich fruit. It will drink well for six to eight years without a problem and will go longer for those more patient.
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.
