Xavier Pa Pa Pinot Gris 2024
- 90
- $28
- Drink by: 2025-2026
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The fruit for this Pinot Gris hails from Mt Gambier, which continues to emerge as an excellent source for a variety of grapes (a variety of varieties?). Fermentation was in stainless steel with the wine then left on lees for five months. Deep gold straw in colour, there are hints of stewed pears, stone fruit, florals, mandarins and ginger. No lack of flavour here in a style which is a little broader than some, though it remains a refreshing drink. Medium length, with a flick of acidity running the length, this falls very much at the drink now end of the spectrum.
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.
