Richard Hamilton Almond Grove McLaren Vale Chardonnay 2024
- 91
- $26
- Drink by: 2025-2027
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A little French oak adds an extra dimension to this McLaren Vale Chardonnay. This might not be the first region one thinks of when seeking good Chardonnay but it provides wines with no lack of flavour – surely, half the battle. The colour here is a deep gold. There is a flick of oak influence but it is merely yet another flavour and melding very well. The nose offers us notes of peaches and apricots, stone fruits, and a gentle line of citrus. This is a ripe and full-flavoured style – pretty much in line with expectations – complimented by some crunchy acidity and medium length. An attractive style for younger drinking over the next couple of 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.
