Pertaringa Understudy Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
- 92
- $26
- Drink by: 2022-2032
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I love everything about this wine. The fruit comes from the Picnic Grounds and Klaveniek vineyards in McLaren Vale. The juice goes into small batch static fermenters before 15 months maturation in new (15%) and aged French oak. This wine is slightly more austere than its sibling Shiraz – that will suit some winelovers, while others will opt for the lusciousness of the Shiraz – which is only to be expected. An inky maroon colour, we have notes of dry herbs, blackcurrants, olives and bay leaves. There is even a whiff of orange rind apparent, all underpinned by good structure and even better length. Thanks to firm tannins, this wine will improve over time and easily handle six to ten years in a good cellar. A wine ready to take centre stage any time you 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.
