Singlefile Reserve Chardonnay So very close.

Singlefile Reserve Chardonnay 2009 (Great Southern, WA)
13.9%, Screwcap, $39.95
Source: Sample
www.singlefilewines.com

The Singlefile packaging has changed recently and definitely for the better. This label still looks odd with it’s jaunty angles. Distinctive though.

As for the wine it almost looks great. Another wine that promises plenty on the nose actually, with that deep, nougat and toasted cashew richness that Great Southern Chardonnay often carries (and I like). A wine of sunshine, of long days and nutty medium toast plus oak. A Chardonnay built with concentration over finesse (in a good way) and intensity to burn.

I only wish it could carry that through the palate which looks dull and oak tannin etched. Dull edged palate falls away to, well broadness and oak. Nice nose, average persistence and feeling like it’s lacking some vibrancy. So close. Again. Others may well find this more impressive (it has some shiny bling on the label too) but I just wanted just a smidgen more precision and delicacy. 16.8/89