Hugh Hamilton The Villain Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
- 93
- $34.50
- Drink by: 2022-2030
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Contrary to what we are often told, Cabernet Sauvignon can do very well in warmer climes, like McLaren Vale. The team describe some of the characters they see in their wine and include, ‘petrichor’, which sounds more like a lesser monster in a Godzilla movie, but actually means an “earthy scent produced when rain falls on dry soil”. It is fine descriptor for the region’s Cab. This wine is deep maroon in colour, with aromas including plummy notes and blackberries, cassis, bell peppers and chocolate. There is a sweet core of coffee grinds and black cherries. Still youthful and with a long future, this is linear, focused with very good length, fine silky tannins and good balance throughout. Certainly enjoyable now, but will be even better as it ages over the next six to eight 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.
