Russell & Suitor Franca Tempranillo 2025
- 92
- $22
- Drink by: 2026-2034
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Spain’s most famous red variety is doing very nicely indeed, in Australia. This example is from the Riverland. Vibrant dark red with the purple rim, the nose reveals notes of cocoa powder, cherries, black fruits, kirsch, dried herbs, smoked meats and an array of spices. Lots to like here. The texture is supple and there is good energy. The finish lingers appealingly, with slightly silty tannins evident. Fresh and attractive drinking now, it should continue to be so for the next 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.
