Ampersand Pinot Noir 2024
- 92
- $60
- Drink by: 2026-2033
Share
The evolution of quality Pinot Noir from the West has been one of the success stories of Australian wine over the last decade or two. Pemberton has certainly played its role, and this new addition will only enhance that. A pale garnet, this is a savoury style with notes of bay leaves, red fruits, Asian spices, truffles, kirsch, aniseed, herbs and leaf litter. There is bright acidity running the length and a persistent finish. Sour cherry notes emerge towards the finish, and the wine has a seductive texture throughout, satiny tannins tying things together. It should provide pleasure for the next five to seven years and it certainly should improve further over that period.
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.
