Allegiance The Artisan Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
- 92
- $40
- Drink by: 2024-2034
Share
The vineyard providing the grapes for this fine Coonawarra Cab hail from a single vineyard, a block near the north end of the famed terra rossa soil, which was planted in 1987. Maturation was for ten months in a mix of new (20%) and older French oak barriques. Deep magenta, the nose yields up notes of spices, a mix of red and darker fruits and even a flick of pepper plus dried herbs, tobacco leaves and a hint of cassis. There is good focus here, fine tannins and very good length. Cherries continue to emerge on the palate, along with notes of red apples and raspberries plus good acidity running the length and a lingering finish. A promising future for the next eight to ten 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.
