St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2023
- 93
- $60
- Drink by: 2026-2046
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Named in honour of St Hallett’s long term and much respected winemaker from days gone by, Stuart Blackwell, this is always a favourite Barossa Shiraz. And always cracking value for what it offers. Maturation was in a combination of American oak hogsheads and puncheons, 30% of them new. A vibrant but very dark purple hue, the nose reveals notes of plums, cassis, bergamot, cloves, dried herbs, cold tea, blackberries and a touch of smoked meats. Quality oak is evident. The wine is still very youthful, but it is coming together well. A powerful and slightly austere style, there is a good line of acidity. The structure is seamless with real intensity and impressive length, through to firm, slightly powdery tannins. Fifteen to twenty years, if you need that length of time, but it will continue to drink well, well in advance of that.
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.
