Xavier Pa Pa Pinot Noir 2024
- 92
- $28
- Drink by: 2025-2028
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Mt Gambier and Heywood, the latter in the southwest of Victoria, supplied the fruit used in this pleasing style. Stainless steel was the home for the fermentation of the fully destemmed grapes, before a short period in a mix of older barrels and stainless steel. Good value. Garnet/crimson in colour, the nose gives us notes of red fruits, dried herbs, red cherries, animal skins, florals, raspberries, kirsch and mushrooms. There is juicy acidity here, giving the wine a brightness and energy, with gentle grip and good persistence. An attractive and fresh Pinot which lingers. For drinking over the next two to three years.
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.
