Richard Hamilton The Surgeon McLaren Vale Shiraz 2022
- 94
- $90
- Drink by: 2025-2035
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A family tribute here, this is an impressive McLaren Vale Shiraz from a top vintage. The colour here is a dark maroon with a vibrant purple rim. The nose is full of chocolate, mocha, blackberries, coffee beans, spices and a touch of vanillin oak, which is deftly handled. This is concentrated but exquisitely balanced. There is focus and grip, with sleek tannins and impressive length, which really does not quit. A delicious Shiraz which is a ten year proposition, longer if you have the patience.
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.
