Pikes Homage Cabernet Malbec 2023
- 92
- $30
- Drink by: 2025-2033
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The blend here is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Malbec, from two small blocks in the Clare Valley which were planted in 2008, adjacent to each other in the Polish Hill River sub-region. Maturation was for a year in older oak, the colour is a bruised plum/maroon. An intriguing nose with earthy notes, blackberries, kirsch, bay leaves and a hint of that smell one gets from a concrete pavement after rain. Good oak integration, well advanced. There is a fine line of acidity in this medium length wine, which finishes with fine yet firm, powdery tannins. Everything is coming together nicely. Drink this over the next six to 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.
