Port Phillip Estate Red Hill Chardonnay 2020
- 92
- $36
- Drink by: 2022-2028
Share
Chardonnay in Port Phillip Estate’s Red Hill vineyard is divided into three parcels, with the largest, 1.3 hectares, thirty years of age. Other smaller parcels were planted in subsequent years. The soil is red basalt, but the Chardonnay is largely grown on grey loam over yellow clay. Again, gentle pressing of whole bunches into French oak barriques, 18% new, wild yeasts, and then 11 months on lees, but no batonnage. A pale lemon colour, the nose is a little more forceful and powerful than the Balnarring Chardy. Spices, grilled nuts, cashews, plenty of citrus notes and apricot kernels. Good concentration and still youthful. Fresh, intense and with an underlying minerality. Also focused, with very good length and there are floral notes on the finish. Will age and improve for at least five to six years, and really could do with one or two before it hits its straps.
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.
