Nightfall The Balance Dry Red 2019
- 93
- $80
- Drink by: 2023-2033
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Part of the exquisitely packaged Nightfall range of Coonawarra crackers, this is the blend – the rest being straight varietals. A combo of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. So much to like here. For what it is worth, this is the only member of the range under screwcap. The rest under diam and the Draco even has one of those wax coverings. Each of the three varieties here was harvested discretely and then fermented separately in small stainless steel vessels. Twice daily pumpovers before pressing into a mix of French and American oak, 20% of the latter new. The individual parcels were then matured for 20 months in selected barrels. Inky dark magenta, this is youthful with coiled power and serious concentration. Notes of blackberries, chocolate, a handful of warm earth, some oak, a hint of vanilla and mint and bay leaves. Toss a hint of leafiness into the mix too. Seamless with good, vibrant acidity and cashmere tannins. Notes of axle grease (which I mean in the most positive sense) and coffee beans emerge on the finish. It will cellar for ten years without a problem and is delicious.
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.
