Ox Hardy Ancestor Vine Shiraz 2014
- 97
- $225
- Drink by: 2023-2043
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The grapes here were sourced from the original 1891 vines from the family vineyard, which were planted by one of Australian wine’s great names, Thomas Hardy, Andrew’s great-great-grandfather. The grapes are from the top 17 rows of vines. They were destemmed into a one tonne open fermenter, hand plunged thrice daily, before spending almost 24 months in old French oak barriques and then time in bottle before release. Only 640 bottles made. Great to see a wine which has been given this length of time ageing in the winery cellars before release to the public. Deep maroon. The nose is endless chocolate, coffee beans, cigar box notes, blackberries, cassis and mocha. There is some vanillin oak evident as well. This is rich, plush and with a cushiony texture, right through to satiny tannins. There is such a long finish with a glorious explosion of chocolate. This has good age already, but will easily provide pleasure for at least another ten to twenty years. Stunning stuff.
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.
