Silkwood ‘The Bowers’ Pinot Noir 2021
- 90
- $21
- Drink by: 2021-2024
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Years ago, I recall there being much fierce debate about whether it was possible to find a good Aussie Pinot Noir for twenty bucks, or thereabouts. The general consensus was that, other than perhaps an occasional one-off or something massively discounted, there was no chance. How odd that so many years later, it is easier to do that. Strange world. Anyway, this is one.
This Pinot is from the Pemberton region in Western Australia. It spent eight months maturing in French oak, 10% of which was new. The colour is a deep red with intermingling flickerings of purple and ochre. The nose immediately gives up notes of dry herbs and red cherries. It is a soft style, a hint sappy which adds to the gentle complexity, and there are touches of warm
earth. Notes of beef stock and soy emerge on the palate, along with some strawberry hints. Mid-length with a reasonable grip, this has 2-3 years ahead but is thoroughly enjoyable now.
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.
