Oakridge Willowlake Pinot Noir 2024
- 95
- $48
- Drink by: 2026-2034
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Again, from the Gladysdale sub-region, the winemaking reflected the team’s typical approach to Pinot with whole bunch/berry fermentation in open containers for two weeks, with an eleven month maturation in French oak following. Pale crimson with a fading russet rim, there is a touch of leaf litter and dried herbs on the nose, along with various red fruits, especially cherries. Hints of charcuterie and even Amaro are evident. A wine of medium to good length, there is fine balance and juicy acidity, and the finish sees the emergence of delightfully bright cherry/kirsch notes. A laser-like focus, the wine finishes with silky tannins. For enjoying over the next 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.
