Allegiance The Matron Orange Chardonnay 2026
- 91
- $35
- Drink by: 2026-2029
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Chardonnay from the Orange region in New South Wales, the fruit is sourced from two local vineyards, 90% from Coole Park which sits at 800 metres above sea level, with the reminder from the Balmoral Vineyard, at 900 metres above sea level. The vines are between 25 and 30 years of age. The fruit was whole bunch pressed into older French oak puncheons, with half of it going through malolactic fermentation. Maturation was for four months with lees stirring every two weeks. Yellow/straw, the nose is redolent of stone fruits, orange rinds, spices, cashews, white peaches, lemon curd and a touch of grapefruit. There is a supple texture here, and decent length. A flick of acidity helps provide the energy and there is good persistence. The wine will provide pleasure for at least the next 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.
