Oliver’s Taranga Grenache 2023
- 95
- $32
- Drink by: 2024-2032
Share
It is very easy to gloss over the glories of a wine because it is good value, suited to sharing with pizza, or perhaps because the grape doesn’t always receive the acknowledgements it is due. I think that might be happening here. For me, this is an absolute stunning wine, worthy of the highest praise. McLaren Vale Grenache deserves the highest of pedestals. Dark crimson hue here, the nose is immediately exciting; raspberries, strawberries, florals, spices and a hint of bergamot. Enticing perfumes that never end. This is seamless and supple, with the silkiest of tannins and superb length. Wonderful stuff, with six to eight years. This is a stunning Grenache and a serious bargain.
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.
