Brokenwood Oakey Creek Semillon 2018
- 95
- $66
- Drink by: 2023 - 2035
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As mentioned, this is a strong contender for the ILR Reserve from this vintage. ILR, for those not aware, celebrates the efforts of their long term winemaker/CEO/bandleader, Iain Riggs, who has his name on more things in the Hunter than Russ Hinze managed in Queensland (in fairness, it is other people who keep using his name in this manner). Iain has, theoretically, retired recently but one suspects that he will maintain a close eye on the place.
This is a stunning young sem. Young, fresh, classic and with bright citrussy acidity. Brilliant balance. Youthful certainly, but with a supple, gorgeous texture. Real intensity. There are oystershell notes here and such length. A scrooge might knock it back a point or two for its youth, or possibly leave room for future increases, which seems the wiser course of action. For me, 95, which leaves room.
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.
