Aylesbury QO5 Gamay 2022
- 92
- $35
- Drink by: 2023-2026
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Gamay has long been seen as the poor sibling of Pinot Noir and treated with scant respect. The new wave of wines from Beaujolais will help rectify this, as will impressive local efforts like this. The grapes, from the Ferguson Valley in Western Australia, were destemmed into fermenters for a speedy ferment, followed by a short stint maturing in older oak. A deep red/crimson colour. Quite plush and generous, there are red fruits here, notably cherries. Florals and spices also contribute to an alluring nose. There is then focus and bright acidity with a lingering finish supported by very soft tannins. A juicy, easy drinking style with a soft finish, but this is more than just a simple slurp. It deserves attention. Enjoy over the next two to three 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.
