Silkwood Estate The Bowers Pemberton Chardonnay 2020
- 92
- $20
- Drink by: 2022-2026
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A fine Pemberton Chardy, though early days for it at the moment. Fermentation was with wild yeasts in barrel, 20% of which was new. Then seven months maturation in French oak, 17% of which was new. Deep yellow in colour, there are good aromatics here, moving through cashew nuts and stonefruit, notably peaches and apricots. There are tropical touches as well. This is finely balanced with an appealingly supple texture, though to a tight poised palate. A youthful, well-crafted Chardonnay with length. Enjoyable now, it will be even better in three 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.
