Driftwood Artifacts Malbec 2022
- 93
- $40
- Drink by: 2025-2035
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A fine Malbec here, very fine actually. We do not see a great number of solo varietal Malbecs, its role predominantly that of a blending component and usually little more than a cameo (yes, the South Americans might argue), but based on this wine, perhaps we should see more. A vibrant maroon colour here, the nose exhibits notes of chocolate, violets, sage, plums, blackberries, dried herbs, graphite and aniseed. The oak has been well absorbed and adds to the overall impression of a wine of quality. Seamless in structure, this has finesse and focus, with very good balance, bright acidity and ever-so-fine tannins. With impressive length to finish, this will provide pleasure for at least the next eight to ten years. There really is much to like here.
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.
