Riversdale Estate Crater Chardonnay 2020
- 91
- $65
- Drink by: 2022-2026
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This Tasmanian producer offers a series of wines through their different ranges. The ‘Stellar’ range reflects various constellations, while neatly elevating the concept. This is the range of Riversdale wines which have dominated in their show entries, winning more than 110 medals and trophies over the last decade. Their Crater Chardonnay is the most awarded Chardonnay in all Tasmania with 50 awards including 15 trophies and 32 gold medals since 2008 (that said, I think that their reds go to an even higher level). The Crater constellation resembles the goblet used by Apollo. A barrel selection, the wine is pale lemon. There are nutty notes and it does seem that there is still some oak apparent but this is disappearing into the wine and will continue to do so over the next year or two. Walnut notes, stonefruit, herbs, there is good concentration and power with melon and florals emerging on the palate with good length. This wine which will offer pleasure over the next two to four 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.
