Oakridge Henk Chardonnay 2022
- 96
- $48
- Drink by: 2024-2034
Share
Similar winemaking was employed here, as we saw with the Hazeldene – all of which gives wine lovers the opportunity to compare different terroirs without interference or artifice. Henk is one of the Chardonnays in their series that really do excite, year on year. For this vintage, line ball it might be, but this would be my pick by the proverbial whisker. A pleasing lemon/lime hue. The nose exhibits minerally and flint notes with spices and concentration. A flick of limes, grapefruits, florals, bergamot and hazelnuts, it is a wine of great intensity but there is also the impression of delicacy. Serious length here too, it is a joy now, but one which will continue to improve for the rest of this decade and longer. Love it. A cracking Henk.
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.
