Terra Felix Yarra Valley Shiraz 2015
- 93
- $70
- Drink by: 2023-2030
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An extended stay in the cellars before release allows this wine to reveal some early maturity and complexity. Shiraz is rarely the first grape that comes to mind when one thinks Yarra Valley, but it is often responsible for some thrilling wines. An appealing deep red, we have dried herbs, warm earth, mushrooms, animal hides and lots of herbs and spices, though some chocolate and dark berries are lurking as well. The oak is well integrated, to the extent of almost disappearing. Very different to what we have come to expect from the Barossa and McLaren Vale, but none the worse for that. A mid-length style with good acidity, there is intriguing development, but still more to come. The evidence of the quality of the 2015 vintage is on display for all to see. Expect this to appeal over the next five to seven 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.
