Vineyard Road Lone Tree Estate Langhorne Creek Shiraz 2016
- 93
- $65
- Drink by: 2023-2033
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From a superb vintage, this has the approachability and generosity that one expects from the region’s finest. Having spent time in new American oak with the final blend a barrel selection, this is dark magenta with notes of plums, chocolate, mocha, blackberries and cassis. There is ample evidence of that Langhorne Creek plushness, coupled by some warm earthiness. A focus and balance here, with the structure well layered. Supple tannins, we see some early complexity and can surely expect more over the forthcoming years. Good length, this has at least ten years ahead of it, over which time the score will surely rise.
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.
