Zonte’s Footsteps Z-Force McLaren Vale Shiraz 2021
- 93
- $95
- Drink by: 2025-2040
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As a very young kid, I have a vague recollection of an early TV show called Spyforce with some legendary old Aussie actors like Jack Thompson, Max Cullen, Bill Hunter and even the legendary Chips Rafferty (yes, I googled it – my memory is not that good. Google even tells me that a seven-year-old child made a brief appearance in one episode, the screen debut of one Russell Crowe). Whether it was based on the real life Z-Force, I have no idea, but for youngsters, it was great fun. The real Z-Force was an Australian Army unit operating in World War II behind enemy lines. Every bottle sold of this wine provides a contribution to Legacy South Australia in their honour.From a legendary vintage in the McLaren Vale region, this has a maroon/purple hue. Plush and generous, the aromas weave through chocolate, coffee grinds, plums, soy, dried herbs and roast meats. There is a supple texture and a fine line of acidity through to the satiny tannins. The wine has excellent length and will provide pleasure over the next twelve 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.
