Zema Estate Cluny 2018
- 93
- $20
- Drink by: 2022-2032
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For me, this Coonawarra Cabernet Merlot Malbec Cabernet Franc blend stands out as the value buy from the Zema reds, which is saying something because this winery is a great source for cracking value from this famed region. It doesn’t hurt that it comes from a top vintage. The blend is 68%, 18%, 7% and 7% respectively. Fermentation of the fruit was for a week in a mix of rotary and static fermenters, before the juice was transferred to French hogsheads for 18 months. The colour is near black/magenta. Chocolate and herbs dominate the fragrant nose with mocha, coffee grinds and cassis. The structure is one of elegance, mid-weight and stylish, with a soft and seamless palate. Plenty of tannins here but there is a lovely softness to them plus a lingering finish. Will drink very well over the next 8 to 10 years. A lovely example of the Bordeaux Blend style of red, done Coonawarra style, not to mention seriously good buying. A case in the cellar will make one very happy in the coming 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.
