The Punt Road Chardonnay is made in a classical style. It shows fresh varietal aromas of lemon citrus curd and white peaches with subtle French oak and a hint of five spice. The palate is full- flavoured with a nutty richness balanced by stream-lined acidity and extensive length. Barrel fermentation and lees-stirring have added complexity and texture.
Accolades and Awards:
94 Points - James Halliday, Halliday Magazine "Bright straw-green; encapsulates the style of Yarra Valley chardonnay to perfection: a seamless blend of white peach, nectarine and pink grapefruit that creates the foundation of the length of the palate, acidity extending that length further. Oak is there, but simply provides context."
2013 Vintage: Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front: 92+ The cool, citrussy element here is intense. A power of acid and a power of flavour. It’s clearly in the leaner-is-better camp but it drives through the finish with such conviction that from the first sip it set me back and made me focus. There’s something compelling about this wine. Green melon, spice and milk-like notes are part of the show. It’s one of those wines: I can understand folks who think it’s underdone, and they’re probably not wrong in saying it, but I can also understand a desire to rave over it. It doesn’t slink away quietly; it thrusts.
From the Winery: In 2014 the Punt Road Chardonnay was sourced from the Napoleone’s low-yielding vineyards in Coldstream. This is an outstanding vineyard with the older blocks producing excellent depth of flavour. 2014 was a difficult but rewarding growing season with a cool spring, followed by a warm, dry summer with enough soil moisture to allow the vines to develop balanced fruit with excellent flavour.
Carefully hand-picked and whole bunch pressed; 100% of the juice was barrel fermented, a portion of which was fermented naturally. During 10 months maturation in French oak (20% new), some barrels were regularly stirred to build texture and complexity
Don't Pay: $26.00
WBW Rating: 95/100
Closure: Stelvin
Region: Yarra Valley, VIC
Winemaker: Tim Shand
Drink now until: 2020
Alc/Vol: 13 %