Reschke Empyrean Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
- 95
- $150
- Drink by: 2024-2034
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Almost a decade of development for this superb Coonawarra Cabernet, beloved of American critics (and quite a few local ones, as well). This is harvested from the oldest vines on the Estate, with only certain select rows from the Henry Albert vineyard included, and then spends time in 100% new French oak barriques for two years. The name, we are assured, is the Latin for ‘the highest sphere in which the purist elements of life exist’. Under cork, this is a cracking Coonawarra Cabernet. It might already offer that maturity but it is still fresh and full of energy. Notes of mocha and licorice, there is good concentration but it remains light on its feet. Fine line of acidity, plenty of grip but the tannins are ultra-fine. Excellent length tells this wine still has at least a decade ahead of it.
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.
