Aces & Arrows Vermentino Riverland 2022
- 91
- $30
- Drink by: 2024-2028
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Vermentino from the Riverland would seem to be unlikely to be many winemakers’ first choice for such a project, but it was for Allira. Fermentation in tank, maturation in oak, with regular stirring for texture. It suggests that we are in the very early days of exploring just where this variety will succeed in Australia. This is a surprising success. Pale lemon in colour. Ginger, citrus, notes of pears, hints of river stones. A ripe style, there are more notes of pears, especially stewed pears, which are to the fore on the palate. Medium length. There is a lot of flavour here, largely upfront in style. The finish has a slight nutty hint. Good concentration. This should drink well over the next four years, although a freshly chilled bottle now is probably ideal.
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.
