Robert Oatley Finisterre McLaren Vale Grenache 2019
- 93
- $45
- Drink by: 2021 - 2027
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Just 480 cases of this wine made. McLaren Vale grenache is the hot thing at the moment. If you are not sure why, jump on this. From Blewitt Springs in McLaren Vale, the Loulakis vineyard with 80-year-old bush vines. Fermented on skins for 10-12 days and then matured in three-plus year-old large format French oak. 2,880 bottles.
A slightly deeper crimson red. There is a slightly briary, stalky note evident here – some whole bunch action? Red fruits, raspberries, some gamey notes, tobacco leaf. Lovely texture, good acidity. This is finely balanced and has good length. Finishes with some slightly gritty tannins that are the trademark of the variety and has a good future.
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.
