Altus Rise Ascension Chardonnay 2021
- 94
- $40
- Drink by: 2022-2028
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As every keen winelover knows, there are many places in Australia that do Chardonnay, but very few of them which do it as well as Margaret River. This one is still very youthful and there is some oak still evident, but this is quality French oak and it should continue to integrate over the next year or two. Deep yellow in colour, though still with a hint of green through it, the aromas virtually leap out of the glass, both enticing and exciting. Stonefruit, a hint of nuts, peaches and a little citrus. There is good intensity here, pleasing citric acidity, good balance and impressive length. Four to six years of terrific drinking ahead, expect this to get better.
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.
