Château Tanunda Grand Barossa Chardonnay 2022
- 92
- $25
- Drink by: 2022-2026
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The grapes for this wine were harvested early to ensure that freshness and vibrant acidity is retained. Fermentation was in French oak, followed by maturation, where some of the French oak is new. A dilute yellow hue here, there is a gentle nose and even some elegance evident. Quite a refined style, which is not necessarily what springs to mind when one thinks of Chardonnay from the Barossa, but the team have overcome all obstacles, and a cracking vintage helps. We have notes of melons, citrus, a hint of apricot kernel and gentle cashews, even a dollop of the tropicals. Decent length here too and good balance throughout. Drink now and at any time over the next three to four years – this is impressive stuff.
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.
