Pirramimma Reserve White Label McLaren Vale Shiraz 2019
- 93
- $35
- Drink by: 2021 - 2029
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Technically, I think this is supposed to be Pirramimma’s ‘third level’ shiraz, though I’m sure they would not nominate it as such. And fair enough. This is no one’s third level anything. It is, if I might move the bottom line higher than tradition would deem appropriate, one of the best value wines you’ll find anywhere. A cracker!
From the impressive 2019 vintage, this is sourced largely from an array of parcels from the estate’s vineyards around the winery – Ironstone, Katunga, Oakley, Bullrush, Bellevue and Johnston Prolific. It sees a mix of American and French oak, 18% new. Bold colours, bold flavours. No shrinking violet this, although there are notes of violets in the aroma, plus dark chocolate, black fruits, vanilla beans, mocha and more. Spices, including a whiff of pepper. A lovely plushness that this region does so well. There are lots of tannins here, slightly grainy plus excellent oak integration, good balance and a refreshing flick of acidity. This screams McLaren Vale. And did I mention stunning value?
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.
