Aylesbury Estate QO5 Vermentino 2024
- 91
- $35
- Drink by: 2025-2029
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Another fine local version of an Italian star, which is widely planted over there, but Sardinia seems its spiritual home. Some compare it with Sauvignon Blanc, but that seems a touch harsh. Good Vermentino has more weight, depth and character and a different flavour profile. This example from the Ferguson Valley in Western Australia is worth a look for those keen to see what all the fuss is about. The colour is a very pale lemon with flecks of green. There is a powerful, minerally nose, indicating good concentration throughout. A flick of citrus with notes of nuts, peaches and a chalky backing. The palate sees the emergence of limes and a hint of a warm earth character. The wine is of medium length with good direction and a persistent finish. Delicious now, it will improve over the next three to four years. Like this a lot.
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.
