Zonte’s Footsteps Z Force Shiraz 2019
- 96
- $95
- Drink by: 2024-2034
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I have a vague recollection of a TV show from the earliest days of my existence which was either called Z Force or featured a group called Z Force. Possibly starring Jack Thompson? I probably could google this but there seems something a little unclean about googling your childhood. Turns out it, if such a program does exist, was based on a real unit from the Australian Army from World War Two which operated behind enemy lines. This is a fine and much deserved tribute to a most gallant band of soldiers. Inky maroon in colour, the nose is full of cigar box notes and tobacco leaves, chocolate, warm earth, leather, black olives and cassis. The wine is fresh, balanced, savoury and complex. The palate sees the emergence of aniseed, miso and soy. A savoury style with good complexity, there are fine, satiny tannins and excellent length. A ten year proposition.
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.
