Port Phillip Estate Pinot Noir Balnarring 2023
- 94
- $44
- Drink by: 2024-2032
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From the Balnarring Vineyard, planted in 1997, fermentation was in stainless steel and large format oak, followed by eleven months maturation in a mix of French oak barriques and puncheons, 15% of which were new. An appealing garnet colour here. The nose suggests a flick more oak is in evidence here, in comparison with the Red Hill Pinot, but integration is proceeding in an ideal manner. Cherries, bay leaves and florals. An appealing juicy palate with fine acidity, silky tannins and excellent length. So much to like here and enjoy 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.
