Kevin John
Chardonnay 2024
Region: Margaret River, Western Australia
Country: Ausrtalia
Format: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
2024 vintage was the hottest, driest and earliest harvest on record. Rainfall turned off like a tap at the end of September 2023, with nominally no rain until the season broke in May 2024. Unseasonable warmth all through the growing season combined with heatwaves in January meant harvest started early and was over extremely quickly. But with sunshine comes flavour and 2024 does not disappoint in fruit weight and concentration. No rain and plenty of sun means wines hit their optimal ripeness (albeit earlier than expected!) and created wines with great depth of flavour and extract.
The ample marri blossom and dry conditions meant both bird and disease pressures were low, the main thing keeping us awake at night was the water stress on our dry grown vines. Both whites and reds show opulence and power that so far show great promise for the future.
Colour - Bright golden straw with green tinges
Cellar - Enjoy now or for up to 20 years
Bouquet - Attractive white flower lined with glances of fresh vanilla, chamomile and almond marzipan. Concentrated backbone of dried pear and fig all framed by clean notes of quinces and white peach.
Food - Lobster thermidor, shrimp au gratin
Palate - Remarkable phenolic tension at front sliding through to a rich, firm & balance middle palate framed by ripe stone fruits and perfumed Bosc pear, crunch minerality and savory acidity with an elegant soft clean finish.
- Cullen