Altus/Rise Ascension Chardonnay 2023
- 92
- $45
- Drink by: 2024-2034
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A fine Chardonnay from the Margaret River, from an excellent vintage (which seems compulsory for the region). The fruit saw a gentle pressing before fermentation in barrel with wild yeasts and regular stirring, resulting in a wine of both balance and intensity. A gleaming gold colour, the nose offers notes of apricot, orange rind, cashews, stonefruits and spices. There is good oak integration, with a hint of evidence but it is melding well. A wine of medium to good length, with good power, which remains focused. Enjoy it now and over the next four 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.
