Burton McMahon George’s Vineyard Chardonnay 2022
- 96
- $50
- Drink by: 2023-2033
Share
This wine is part of the departure from Matt Burton’s usual Hunter efforts, which have so impressed in the past, where he teams with another gun winemaker, Dylan McMahon, from Seville Estate, for a series of Yarra specials. The George’s Vineyard is near Seville, in the Upper Yarra. Whole bunch pressed and left to settle overnight in tank, the juice is racked to barrel for a natural fermentation, with malo not encouraged. Ten months in French oak barrels, 30% new. Bright lemon hue, this is rich and complex. There are some barrel ferment notes along with stonefruits, guava, figs, nougat and mandarin. Good intensity throughout and seriously impressive length. Nicely balanced, this is fresh and yet has immense depth with some some crisp green apple acidity. A stunning Yarra Chardy, and sensational value compared with what you would normally pay for a wine of this quality. Love it. It should provide pleasure for at least eight to ten years. Only 90 dozen made.
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.
