Holm Oak The Wizard Chardonnay 2023
- 95
- $65
- Drink by: 2024-2034
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A step-up here, and vintage conditions allowed the team to increase production of their prestige Chardonnay to six barrels (five of which were from the Mendoza clone). Full natural fermentation in barrel with 2/3rds then undergoing malolactic fermentation. 66% was matured in new French oak with the remaining third in one-year-old oak, for ten months before blending and bottling. An attractive pale gold, this is a Chardonnay already exhibiting considerable intensity. Tight, balanced and well-focused, there is noticeable oak influence but integration is proceeding well. Notes of stonefruits, cashews, figs, citrus and jasmine with very good length. A beautiful Chardonnay with many years ahead of it. Enjoy for the next six to ten years. Love it.
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.
