Schild Estate Barossa Chardonnay 2026
- 91
- $30
- Drink by: 2026-2029
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While this is a very early release from the 2026 vintage, it is from a more normal vintage than that enjoyed by the Barossa with the much earlier 2025. Fermentation was in stainless steel, and the team employed some lees stirring. The aim was to enhance the freshness of the wine at all times. Straw/gold, the nose exhibits aromas of peaches, florals, spices, lemon curd, jasmine and touches of nectarines. There are bundles of flavour up front with this wine, which is of medium length and offering a supple texture. Undoubtedly a style designed to provide instant gratification, it really is one for drinking early, although you could certainly get away with two or three years in the cellar.
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.
