Reschke Empyrean Cabernet 2016
- 95
- $150
- Drink by: 2024-2039
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For those whose Latin is not up to scratch, Empyrean means the highest sphere in which the purist elements of life exist. Those of you who already knew that need to drink more. Great to see an aged example of a Coonawarra Cabernet, especially one from such a legendary vintage. The fruit hails from a single vineyard and under cork. Darkest maroon hue here, the nose exhibits notes of chocolate and mocha, black fruits, soy, miso, licorice and a dusting of cocoa powder. There is still some oak evident. Serious length here and the wine maintains its intensity for the full journey. Good structure, fine balance, this is an intriguing style. The palate moves more to notes of coffee grinds and leather with good acidity throughout. This will provide excellent drinking for 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.
