Richard Hamilton Burton’s Vineyard Old Vine Grenache 2022
- 93
- $38
- Drink by: 2023-2029
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The fruit here was destemmed to avoid any hints of that stalky character – loved by some, detested by others (I tend to fall in with the latter, although a small percentage can add complexity) – the grapes went into a small fermenter, a percentage of whole berries. Then to four year old vats and five to six year old hogsheads for seven months. A gentle crimson colour, we have punchy aromatics with spices, warm earth, tobacco leaves, red cherries/raspberries and more. A supple palate, very fine silky tannins and excellent balance. Impressive length and a lovely soft finish too. A very attractive style which should offer pleasure for at least the next five to six years. Anyone not enjoying the brilliant Grenache we are seeing from regions such as McLaren Vale is simply doing themselves a disservice.
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.
