St Hugo Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
- 96
- $55
- Drink by: 2025-2040
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The St Hugo Coonawarra Cab has long been a star performer for the region. From a wonderful year like 2021, much can be expected. And this wine not only delivers in spades but at a price which makes it a must-have in the cellar. The colour is that of a TV serial killer’s best work. The nose opens with notes of axle grease (in the most positive sense) along with tobacco leaves, soy, spices, blackberries, chocolate and graphite. Immaculate oak integration, there is balance, intensity and concentration running the length. And serious length it is. A knife-edge balance and so very long, exhibiting fine, sleek tannins. This really does impress. Quite strong cigar box notes emerge on the palate, which is already revealing some exciting complexity. Ten to fifteen years ahead, and what promise it offers.
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.
