Ten Minutes by Tractor McCutcheon Chardonnay 2012
Complexity. That’s the appeal of this 10X Chardonnay. In fact, that’s the appeal of all the Ten Minutes by Tractor wines, which have a level of detail that suggests mastery.
The ’12 Ten Minutes by Tractor Chardonnays are generally thicker than some other vintages, with the warm vintage more suited to Pinot than Chardonnay. Still, that extra warmth translates into even more weight than normal, the style bold and full.
This McCutcheon looks particularly forward, a golden yellow beast heavy with Golden Gaytime caramel yeasty richness, some gumball sulphides and a whole lot of overripe nectarine fruit. I can’t stress enough the complexity here – it’s almost too complex, with mealy, gumball sulphide complexity. The tangy and slightly warm palate is heavily worked – perhaps too much so, but long and so layered.
A wonderful ‘big’ wine, if just teetering on the edge of too much…
Details: 13.5%, Screwcap, $65
Best drinking: 2015-2017
Score: 18.3/20, 93/100
Would I buy it? I think 2 glasses would be about enough.
Buy online: Ten Minutes by Tractor website
Leave A Reply