13%, Screwcap, $72
Source: Sample
www.oakridgewines.com.au
This picked up 'Best Chardonnay' in the SMH/Age Good Wine Guide released this week. I think I've already tried it (at the Tri Nations Wine Challenge) but it was certainly a pleasure to revisit it. Simply put, this is a superb Chardonnay that I'd happily call one of Australia's best. Loved it.Bright green/straw in the glass. Super fine, mealy oak nuanced nose that shows some of the best oak handling around. It's just beautiful, mealy, almond meal oak that is clearly a part of the wine, but in a tightly wound, if seamless fashion. Beyond the oak it's all fine and lean white peach and citrus fruit in a full though not overt form. Perfect really. Lovely nose this.
The palate doesn't disappoint either, with white peach, marzipan and lemon flavours that are really surprisingly intense given the modest alcohol. Just before it threatens to become large and full, the acidity snaps everything back into shape again in a delightful form. Supremely stylish and plain delicious stuff. Top class. I'll buy some. 18.8/95
2009/10 WCA Wine Journalism 'Young Gun; Wine Judge; Gourmet Traveller WINE and Breathe Hunter Valley magazine contributor; LattéLife & The Retiree columnist; National Liquor News tasting panellist and Chablis lover who fell into the liquor industry chiefly to buy cheap beer.
I've already bought some ;) Chardonnay doesn't get much better than this.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Lovely stuff.
ReplyDeleteI'm confused as there appear to be various references in the media to an '864' from the Van der Meulen vineyard selling for around $64 and an '864 Van der Meulen' at around $72 - i.e. different price points. Do you know if there was a special selection bottling from that vineyard or are they one and the same wine?
ReplyDeleteOne and the same anon.
ReplyDeleteOh and this picked up a trophy at the National Wine Show this week. Deserving.