Terra Felix Heathcote Shiraz 2016
- 95
- $35
- Drink by: 2023-2033
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An extended period in French oak followed a co-fermentation with a dollop of Viognier. This wine shows all the joy that Heathcote Shiraz can offer – a cracker and cracking value. Near opaque, this is richly flavoured with chocolate and spices, the merest whiff of white pepper, along with florals, bay leaves and cloves, with mulberries emerging on the palate. Seamless in structure with very fine, soft tannins plus excellent length. This has a decade ahead of it and a case in the cellar will reward.
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.
