Shanahan’s Wines The Old Dog Barossa Valley Shiraz 2025
- 94
- $23
- Drink by: 2026-2038
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Barossa Valley Shiraz, which is the absolute epitome of cracking value, the fruit hails from two vineyards in the Greenock sub-region. Maturation is for a year in seasoned French oak barrels. An inky dense maroon hue with a dark purple rim, the nose is redolent of black fruits, licorice, chocolate, blueberries, cassis and plums. This is a big and bold style of Barossa Valley Shiraz, no hint of shyness here, richly flavoured throughout. Seamless in structure, there is serious persistence with very fine, cuddly tannins on the finish and good energy throughout. So much to like here and the wine can be enjoyed anytime over the next ten to twelve 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.
