Wild & Wilder The Pugilist Cabernet Sauvignon Langhorne Creek 2021
- 93
- $22
- Drink by: 2022-2028
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Superb Cabernet from a dreadfully underrated region. Curious name, though I am sure that the team had its reasons. A fine vintage, the grapes were harvested early to ensure the retention of freshness, while the use of whole berries in the ferment maintains vibrancy. Vivid purple in colour, the nose is immediately alluring. There is a hint of an oaky note but well integrated, with toast and vanilla notes. Cloves, chocolate, bay leaves, black fruits, licorice and cassis. The palate is seamless, the flavours delicious. Excellent length here too, through to silky tannins. A full-flavoured, rich and plush wine, with good structure, offering great drinking now and sure to continue over the next five to six years. A very fine example of a warmer climate Cabernet.
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.
