Pertaringa Rifle and Hunt Cabernet Sauvignon 2025
- 93
- $45
- Drink by: 2026-2041
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Before anyone starts thinking that the name refers to some big game adventure in Africa, the true story is far more prosaic, with the vineyard sitting on the corner of Rifle Range and Hunt Roads. Maturation was in French oak hogsheads, 20% new, for a period a little short of a year and a half. Under cork. Deep maroon, this is a slightly earthy style and there is a little oak still evident, but integration does seem to be proceeding well. Aromas of blackberries, plums, seaweed, licorice, kirsch, and smoked meats are all present and correct. There is very good length here with mouthcoating tannins on the finish. The wine really does lift on the palate. Good balance throughout, this is delightfully seductive. Enjoy it over the next ten to fifteen 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.
