Ballandean Estate Saperavi 2019
- 89
- $48
- Drink by: 2024 - 2028
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One of the things that Queensland’s Granite Belt does very well is alternative varieties – they call them ‘Strange Birds’. Saperavi definitely qualifies. A Georgian grape, it is distinguished by terrific colour and vibrant acidity. This example features both.
Almost black in colour, there are some earthy notes and attractive cherry flavours; an aroma one might find during a rigorous day in the garden. Black fruits, spices, a cigar box note, and quite fleshy. There is fine focus here, on a mid-length wine with good drive. On the palate, more chocolate emerges. This should be better in 2-3 years. An attractive example of a grape variety one can expect to see a lot more of in the coming 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.
