Mayfield Vineyard Thomas Chardonnay 2022
- 93
- $65
- Drink by: 2023-2028
Share
Put simply, wines like the latest Chardonnays from Mayfield Vineyard will continue to raise the reputation of the Orange region. Stunning stuff, which deserves attention. The fruit for this one was settled overnight before transfer to a mix of new and older French puncheons, hogsheads and barrels before 75% malo. Pale lemon with green flecks. The aroma opens with nutty notes, cinnamon, stonefruit and beeswax. There are peaches, spices and apricot kernels also evident. A lovely slippery, seductive texture, the oak is still holding forth, but it is integrating well and, given six to twelve months, this should be a harmonious and approachable Chardy. The peach notes really emerge on the palate which shows medium to good length with a gentle fade, so will drink beautifully for the next four to five 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.
