Howard Vineyard Amos Chardonnay 2020
- 91
- $50
- Drink by: 2024 - 2028
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From the Schoenthal vineyard in the Adelaide Hills, located some 410 to 550 metres above sea level, with the clones which are found in this vineyard two of the famous Dijon clones, 76 and 95, which were originally imported into Australia by the legendary Pannell family – Bill Pannell was one of the pioneers in the Margaret River region, as the founder of Moss Wood, while son, Stephen, has built an enviable reputation through his time with multi-national producers and his own McLaren Vale operation. The grapes are handpicked, sorted and then whole bunches are pressed with the juice going into oak, 30% of which is new, for eleven months to mature. 3,000 bottles produced. Curiously, under diam (allow me a personal prejudice here – I am a staunch supporter of screwcaps).
Lovely wine. Lots of nutty notes, there is still plenty of oak evident, but it is in the process of integration. Nutmeg characters, spices, a hint of vanilla, hazelnuts and rockmelons. There is an attractive supple texture and good balance, though perhaps a touch much oak influence at this early stage. That will be rectified with a little more time. Good length and excellent focus. For me, enjoyable now, but much better in 12 months. Overall, a fine Chardy from South Australia and what better to match it with than some of that State’s very fine King George whiting.
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.
