Churchview The Bartondale Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
- 94
- $70
- Drink by: 2026-2041
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If you will forgive the broken record, 2023 again serves up an absolutely stunning Cabernet Sauvignon from the Margaret River region. Deep blood red with a dark crimson rim, there is good concentration and focus throughout with this wine. The nose offers an array of aromas including plums, blackcurrants, cassis, aniseed, chocolate and smoked meats. The oak has been deftly handled here. A line of fine acidity runs the length, and the wine maintains its intensity throughout. It finishes with pleasingly powdery tannins. Impressive now, it is only going to get better. If you can, leave it for two years and then drink it over the following ten to fifteen.
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.
