Robert Oatley Finisterre McLaren Vale Grenache 2022
- 94
- $40
- Drink by: 2022-2030
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We have seen how brilliant the 2022 whites are from so many South Aussie wine regions. Now we are getting a chance to visit the early ’22 reds and, with wines like this, the expectations will be very high indeed. The fruit for this delicious Grenache comes from the Loulakis Vineyard in the prized McLaren Vale sub-region of Blewitt Springs. The vines, which average around 80 years of age, are spur pruned bush vines. The fermentation is over ten to twelve days and takes place on skins, before maturation in large format oak, several years old, for five months. Obviously, the aim is to minimise any oak influence. A lovely purple/crimson colour here. The nose is full of spices and dry herbs with cherries, raspberries, cranberries, warm earth notes, animal hides and coffee grinds. Seamless in structure with the silkiest of tannins for Grenache. With juicy acidity and a lingering finish, this is a superb Grenache, ideal for early drinking or lock it away and enjoy over the next six to eight years.
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.
