Holm Oak The Wizard Pinot Noir 2023
- 94
- $65
- Drink by: 2025-2037
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From the cooler 2023 vintage, a range of clones were used to increase the complexity. 30% whole bunches are included in the fermentation and maturation was in French oak barriques for a year, with the final wine a barrel selection. A pale garnet hue, this is a savoury style of Pinot with notes of animal fur, truffles and leaf litter, alongside red fruits, freshly turned warm earth and root vegetables. Beautifully structured, this has a seductive texture and excellent length, while remaining focused throughout. There are silky tannins on the finish which lingers beautifully. Enjoy this for the next ten to twelve years and expect the score to rise over that time.
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.
