Wills Domain Paladin Hill Chardonnay 2024
- 95
- $85
- Drink by: 2025-2035
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A step up here, to a superb Margaret River Chardy which can sit among the regional stars. More than half of the grapes are sourced from the Wylco Vineyard, with the rest being estate fruit. Whole bunch pressing to barrel, natural fermentation and then nine months on lees. 10% of the wine undertakes malolactic fermentation. 715 dozen made. This is a shining deep yellow colour. There is quality oak in evidence, well along in the process of integration and looking good. Melon, nectarine, stone fruits, lemongrass and ginger notes are all found on the nose, but it is that gorgeous stone fruit and ginger which explodes on the palate. There is bright citrusy acidity, a supple texture and serious intensity here, intensity which does not waver for a moment on a long finish. Six to ten years of pleasure ahead of 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.
