Oakridge Willowlake Pinot Noir 2022
- 95
- $48
- Drink by: 2024-2030
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The Willowlake Vineyard, which contributes to the Vineyard Series, is north facing and located on red volcanic soils at Gladysdale in the Yarra. For those who take notice of these things, this wine picked up the trophy for the Best Yarra Valley Pinot in the 2023 Australian Pinot Challenge. So you just know it is going to be a bit special. The colour is bright crimson. Alluring aromas here of rose petals, red cherries and spices – an ethereal Pinot, beautifully constructed. As we proceed, hints of bacon fat and raspberries emerge, and we also see notes of cassis and velvety plums. Showing good length with energy and bright acidity, it is also finely balanced and concludes with silky tannins and a lingering finish. This will provide immense pleasure for the next five to six years. So much to like.
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.
