Pacha Mama Chardonnay 2022
- 93
- $40
- Drink by: 2024-2030
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A very fine Chardonnay from the Yarra Valley, the grapes were whole pressed to tank, followed by a wild ferment and lees stirring. With time in French oak barriques and puncheons, 15% of those were new. A pale lemon hue with flecks of green, there is good oak integration here, notes of cashews, florals, spices and stonefruits. Good concentration, a supple and seductive texture, impressive weight and balance with a lovely persistent finish. Clean, fresh and showing early signs of complexity to enjoy now or for four to six 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.
