Pirramimma War Horse Shiraz 2019
- 96
- $100
- Drink by: 2023 - 2032
Share
Named in tribute to the Clydesdales which worked the vineyard in the early days, and which are now buried in that very vineyard. Also, a tribute to Louise Johnston’s grandfather (the Johnston family have owned the estate for 129 years) who fought with the 9th Light Horse Brigade in Northern Africa in the First World War, an entirely South Australian force which brought their own horses with them. From their contoured, low trellis vineyard, which provides tiny yields of concentrated, quality fruit, this wine continues the very proud tradition that previous War Horses have established.
Effectively opaque, there are lashings of ripe dark fruits, blackberries, leather, black olives, cloves, spices, cocoa powder, vanilla, chocolate and espresso notes. Finely balanced, soft tannins and exhibiting oak which is extremely well integrated. This has a future as long as you might care to cellar it, but worth trying one (although good luck keeping your hands off the rest after that). Seamless and cuddly soft, this is a delicious McLaren Vale shiraz and not to be missed. 96 (and room to rise).
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.
