Penfolds Magill Estate Shiraz 2019
- 96
- $150
- Drink by: 2024 - 2040
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This small production, famous single vineyard Shiraz from Penfold’s always impresses, right since that first vintage back in 1983. Vinified in open fermenters and basket pressed in order that it might complete fermentation in barrel. 18 months in French (26% new) and American (6% new) hogsheads. Inky black with crimson rims. This is young, yet powerful and intense. Black fruits here. Spices, leather, dry herbs and a hint of cinnamon-y and nutty oak, if one looks, but the fruit matches it well. Good concentration. Black fruits and chocolate are intertwined throughout, with raspberry notes. A supple, generous palate belies the nose, which suggested that a more closed and solid experience might await. Very good length. Silky tannins, yet they provide good grip. Ten, twenty years ahead of it.
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.
