Forrest Marlborough Chardonnay 2023
- 93
- $40
- Drink by: 2025-2033
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In crafting this thoroughly enjoyable Chardonnay from Marlborough in New Zealand, the team have sourced fruit from two very different vineyards. One is located in the Wairau River Valley, a place also known for wonderful big brown trout if you have an interest in fly fishing, and the other in the Southern Valleys. Deep straw in colour, there are gentle touches of oak with hints of cashew evident on the nose. More dominant though, are the ripe stone fruit and tropical notes with a touch of passionfruit, peaches, apricot kernel, cinnamon and pineapple. Quite a supple texture, there is good force along the length and the intensity is maintained. Fine acidity balances the wine and it should drink very well for the next six to 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.
