Burton McMahon Yarra Valley Lusatia Park Chardonnay 2024
- 93
- $60
- Drink by: 2026-2034
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This vineyard is located in the Woori Yallock sub-region of the Yarra Valley, sitting at 180 metres above sea level. The clones used here are P58 and 76. The fruit is whole bunch pressed and settled overnight in tank before it is racked to barrel for a natural fermentation. Malolactic fermentation was not encouraged. Maturation was for ten months in French oak barrels, which ranged in size between 300 and 500 litres, 30% of them new. 220 dozen made. Lemon yellow hue, the oak here is still in the process of fully integrating and the wine will surely look better in another couple of years. Meanwhile, the nose offers aromas weaving through stone fruits, dry herbs, lemon curd and a flick of citrus. A wine of medium length with a firm finish, we see peaches emerging on the palate. Good intensity throughout. This will be better in a couple of years and should be pretty exciting at that stage. When it does hit its straps, it should plateau and provide enjoyment for at least another eight 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.
