The Yarra Valley has a happy knack of turning out some delicious Chardonnay at around the twenty-dollar mark. Here’s another example. Hand picked, pressed to large format French oak, fermented on 100% juice solids using 80% ambient yeasts with occasional stirring with a delicate creamy texture. Smells of grapefruit, freshly baked bread, cashews and almonds, pears, wheat germ and white stonefruits. A little honeysuckle perfume as well. Flavour builds through the line and shape is maintained by good line of acidity. Finishes all citrusy and chalky with a bit of woodspice. Seriously smart drinking.
Past Accolades and Awards:
James Halliday: 94 "A complex bouquet, with some funky elements sets the scene; the palate swells with stone fruit and creamy/figgy nuances, but just when you think this may be too much of a good thing, citrussy acidity sweeps the mouth clean and refreshed. Marked as a wine of "special value"
Campbell Mattinson: 91 It puts some firm ticks in a number of boxes. It has that lovely sweet pear flavour that chardonnay does so well - though here it's admirably tempered by more savoury/bitter notes provided by grapefruit and bran. It has a suggestion of smoothness though it's largely racy and fruity and refreshing. It's satisfying in its flavour, and once you swallow these flavours persist well. It has a toasty, minerally funk to the aftertaste - i.e. it doesn't lack interest. Not sure you can ask for much more.
Don't Pay: $27.00
WBW Rating: 94/100
Closure: Stelvin
Region: Yarra Valley, VIC
Winemaker: Phil Sexton
Drink now until: 2019
Alc/Vol: 13.5 %
