Burton McMahon Yarra Valley D’Aloisio Chardonnay 2024
- 94
- $60
- Drink by: 2026-2035
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The D’Aloisio Vineyard is to be found in the Seville township in the Yarra Valley, on red volcanic soil. It sits 230 metres above sea level and the clone planted here is I10V1. Maturation was for ten months in a range of vessels, all French oak between 300 and 500 litres, with 30% of them new. After whole bunch pressing, the wine underwent fermentation with wild yeasts. 300 dozen made. Gold/green, this is a more complete and more settled example of Chardonnay than its sibling, at least at this early stage. There is good balance here and very good focus. Again, a wine of medium length, the highlight must surely be that attractive creamy texture. Hints of nectarine and lemon curd emerge, along with touch of cashew and oatmeal. Early days. Very attractive, there is a lingering finish here. For enjoying over the next six to nine 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.
