IronCloud Alliance Chardonnay 2021
- 93
- $55
- Drink by: 2023-2030
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A very fine Chardonnay from the Ferguson Valley in WA, the grapes were whole bunch pressed and then fermented with wild yeasts in barrel. An array of different clones are used for complexity before 8 months maturation in French oak. Eventually, a selection of the best barrels is made for this wine. A lemon/yellow colour, the aromas are nutty, even a little spicy from the oak, which is in the process of melding with rich fruit notes. Stonefruits, peaches, honeycomb with more of the nutmeg and vanillin characters. Then good intensity throughout on a cracking palate. Finely balanced with focus and direction, this is layered and long and with a most persistent finish. Delicious now and over the next five to seven years, though well cellared examples will provide pleasure well beyond that.
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.
