Howard Vineyard Blanc de Blancs 2021
- 89
- $35
- Drink by: 2022 - 2024
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A thoroughly pleasant example of a local sparkler, made in the Blanc de Blancs style (meaning made from only white grapes, in this case, as is traditional, Chardonnay). From Adelaide Hills fruit, this has undergone a partial malolactic fermentation, which will help soften the acidity, making it more approachable at this young stage.
Bold yellow in hue, this is wildly exuberant. The aromas move through citrus, minerals, riverstones, garden greens, through to a hint of stonefruit. Bright acidity, even with the partial malo, make for juicy package with good length. Bold flavours and a clean finish too. No need to be in any rush to drink it, but equally, there is no real point in not enjoying it as it is today.
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.
