Richard Hamilton The Surgeon McLaren Vale Shiraz 2023
- 95
- $90
- Drink by: 2026-2041
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For those harbouring concerns that the 2023 vintage might not quite sit alongside other recent harvests, a wine like this should surely assist in allaying those doubts. A superb example of McLaren Vale Shiraz, it is named in honour of winemaker and surgeon, Dr Richard Hamilton. A near black/maroon core with a very dark purple edge, the first impression is of the impressive oak integration and the way the wine is so neatly balanced. On the nose, we have aromas weaving through plums, spices, cassis, coffee beans, mocha, axle grease, soy, cloves and licorice. Plush, generous and approachable, there is a lovely and almost decadent texture through to very fine, sleek tannins. A wine of excellent persistence, it can be enjoyed for at least the next fifteen years. Love it.
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.
