Stonehaven Reserve Padthaway Chardonnay 2026
- 94
- $80
- Drink by: 2026-2034
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The pinnacle of the Chardonnays from Stonehaven, 40% of the juice was fermented in oak, before a brief period of maturation on yeast lees. Rather surprisingly, this is under Diam. Gleaming lemon in colour, this is a finely crafted Chardonnay and a most impressive one. There is good focus here, with gentle floral notes, citrus and stone fruits, peaches and nectarines especially. A tiny flick of oak ties things together and the wine has a seductive texture with very good length. Enjoy this anytime over the next eight 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.
