Robert Oatley Finisterre Margaret River Chardonnay 2020
- 95
- $40
- Drink by: 2022-2027
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Finisterre apparently means ‘ends of the earth’ and if you are travelling to Margaret River, it sometimes seems like you have to go that far. For this cracking Chardy, fruit is sourced from vineyards in the Karridale and Wilyabrup sub-regions of Margaret River. Winemaker Larry Cherubino presses whole bunches into a mix of French oak, 50% new, for fermentation with indigenous yeasts and a maturation period of ten months in French barriques. There is a gorgeous nose here. Ripe peaches, stonefruits, a touch of citrus and excellent integration of oak. A soft and cushiony style, seamless, balanced and utterly delicious. There is a fine line of acidity running the length and a hint of grip on the finish. A Chardonnay which is poised, focused and very long that will provide great pleasure any time over the next four to five years. Love it.
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.
