Eight at the Gate Sparkling Blanc NV
- 92
- $32
- Drink by: 2026-2030
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Sparkling wines from the Wrattonbully region may not be all that common, but on the basis of this, we may see more in coming years. Made from Chardonnay, the secondary fermentation took place in tank. The team used three clones of Chardonnay. Shimmering pale lemon in colour, this is a fresh style of sparkler with notes of sea breezes, oystershells, citrus, florals and lemon curd, finishing with hints of freshly baked lemon pie. There is the merest touch of toast evident as well. Bright with vibrant acidity, there is persistence and balance here, and while it may be at its best at the moment, it should drink well for at least the next two to four 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.
