Robert Oatley Finisterre Margaret River Chardonnay 2019
- 94
- $45
- Drink by: 2022 - 2028
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From the Karridale and Wilyabrup sub-regions, whole bunch pressed to 50% new French oak, the remainder to a mix of one and two year old oak. Indigenous yeasts, before ten months in new French barriques. 17,700 bottles. Make sure you get some. I loved the 2018; this might top it.
This is fresh with lovely light citrus notes. Lemon zest. The oak is nearly invisible. This is a delightfully bright, vibrant, clean style. Subtle and seamless and stonefruit notes move in on the palate. Surprisingly good length here. Why surprising? Check the price. This is really good.
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.
