Paisley Barossa Valley Tartan Montepulciano 2023
- 92
- $35
- Drink by: 2025-2031
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What a famous Scottish fabric has to do with a delicious Italian variety grown in Australia’s Barossa Valley, I am unable to ascertain, but no matter. I have seen plenty of labels with less connection to the wine and the important thing is always what is in the bottle. The wine spent time maturing in older French oak. A dark maroon hue, the nose is all about smoky red fruits and spicy notes. Woodsmoke and a slight but intriguing briny note is evident, along with hints of leather and beef stock. There is cassis and chocolate which emerge on the finish of a wine that is generous in style with fine tannins, good length and juicy acidity. Terrific drinking now and for the next half dozen years. It would certainly add a touch of class to your next barbecue or perhaps even celebrations on Robert Burns Night, although just what wine goes with haggis, I have no idea.
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.
