Brokenwood Indigo Vineyard Beechworth Chardonnay 2021
- 94
- $75
- Drink by: 2022-2029
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Brokenwood, of course, have ventured beyond the borders of the Hunter and have established excellent vineyards in a number of exciting regions, perhaps none more so than in Beechworth in Victoria. This is a very fine Chardonnay. Mostly from the Mendoza clone, we have whole bunch pressing, with wild yeast fermentation in 100% new French oak, mostly 500 litre puncheons. Maturation is in French oak, 30% new. A gleaming green/yellow in colour, there is good intensity and early complexity here. Fresh and yet with impressive depth. We have notes of stonefruit – especially peaches – melon, figs, grilled nuts and good oak integration. With pinpoint balance and a seamless, seductive, finely textured palate, this has five to seven good years ahead of it, if its current glories don’t convince you to crack it now.
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.
