Thorn-Clarke William Randell Shiraz 2019
- 95
- $120
- Drink by: 2025-2040
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This cracking Barossa Shiraz was named in honour of a family ancestor, Captain William Richard Randell. Always good to see wines which have enjoyed some time in the cellar before release, especially when it is from such an excellent vintage as 2019. Maturation was in American oak, 40% of which was new, for around a year and a half. The final wine is a barrel selection. Under cork. Dark maroon hue, there is some maturity as one would expect, along with a little oak still evident. There are notes of chocolate, licorice, plums, cassis, axle grease (in the most positive way), coffee grinds and blackberries. The structure gives us a wine which is seamless, finely balanced and very long. There is an enticing palate and intensity is maintained for the full journey. This will continue to drink beautifully for the next ten to fifteen years. Love it.
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.
