Pertaringa Stage Left Merlot 2021
- 92
- $25
- Drink by: 2022-2027
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Named because Merlot has not enjoyed the centre stage (a nice way of saying that in McLaren Vale, this is the red-headed stepchild of grapes). A Bordeaux old timer, this is a serious example and suggests that perhaps it should get a little more attention, and not in a ‘Sideways’ way. Deep red in colour, this offers aromas ranging through plums, chocolate, warm earth, red fruits and more. There is fine focus here, right through to the silky tannins. The palate offers ripeness with plums and dark berries to the fore. An impressive Merlot and one which should give drinking pleasure for at least the next five years.
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.
