Pindarie Montepulciano 2020
- 92
- $30
- Drink by: 2022-2030
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In recent years, a smattering of Monty’s (who is going to try and pronounce Montepulciano?) have appeared from Aussie wineries. Expect many more in the coming years, as this is a variety which seems to love local conditions. Originally Italian (but not responsible for the wines from Tuscany called Vino Nobile de Montepulciano, which is made from Sangiovese, because why make things simple?), it hails from the Abruzzo region and other southern vineyards, where it is known for big and bold wines with deep colours.
Pindarie have less than two acres planted (surely the success so far will encourage more plantings?). The colour is as advertised – dense, opaque purples. Big, ripe plummy notes on the nose, spices, warm earth, tobacco leaves, blackberries and some garden herbs. This is balanced, despite its size, with firm, even slightly chunky tannins and very good length providing at least six to eight years good drinking ahead. If you like big and bold, get on board. 92, but if a blockbuster red is your thing, crank up the score.
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.
