Pikes The E.W.P. Shiraz 2023
- 94
- $65
- Drink by: 2026-2036
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This has been a go-to Clare Valley Shiraz for many years and this latest release will do nothing to dampen that enthusiasm. From a single vineyard in the Polish Hill River sub-region of the Clare Valley, fermentation is with wild yeasts in open fermenters, followed by ten months maturation in French barriques, 8% of them new. 200 dozen made. Deep blood red with a magenta rim, there is a beguiling nose with aromas weaving through kirsch, blackberries, aniseed, dark fruits, tobacco leaves, coffee grinds, spices and beef stock. A seductive texture through fine tannins and a lingering finish, there is good energy throughout. It will easily provide pleasure for the next decade, longer if you wish.
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.
