Zonte’s Footsteps Lake Doctor Shiraz Langhorne Creek 2023
- 93
- $30
- Drink by: 2026-2041
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It seems that one of the tragedies of modernity is that the design of the new stadium in Perth prevents the famous Fremantle Doctor from plying its influence in the annual cricket Test. Although, it would want to have been quick this year, given the duration of that game. Not sure where the concept of ‘Doctor’ came from, but it does seem to apply to breezes that benefit. And the Lake Doctor in Langhorne Creek is another. These are winds that travel across the Great Southern Ocean, all away from Antarctica, bringing relief to the vines (and no doubt the winemakers) during summer. All part of the wonderful tapestry that is the glorious array of wines from this region. This particular wine sees maturation in a mix of new and older hogsheads and puncheons for periods between twelve and fifteen months. The colour here is a bruised plum/dark cherry hue. The nose gives us aromas of chocolate, licorice, dry herbs, cassis, mulberries, mocha and fruitcake. And if that doesn’t want to make you crack a bottle, I’m really not sure what will. Supple and smooth, there is good intensity here and very good length. The wine is well balanced throughout and finishes with fine tannins. For enjoying over the next ten to fifteen 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.
