2007 Devil’s Lair Chardonnay

Margaret River 13.5% Screwcap $39

The Winery’s website is hopelessly out of date, but the wines are still great quality and value. Stuart Pym has left the operation to join Stella Bella and ex-Penfold’s white wine maker Oliver Crawford has taken over in time to finish this vintage off, so I guess it has the fingerprints of both wine makers on it.

It’s mealy with almonds and oats, primarily grapefruit oriented with some white peach which just crosses over to riper peach to provide a nice dash of fruit sweetness from the back of the mid palate through to a strong finish. A hint of cashew too. Lovely, textural wine with a great mouthfeel.

The oak is superbly integrated. In fact the whole things hangs together extremely well and the structure allows a very pleasing and focused drinking experience from the get go to the end. The only quibble I have is that the it is a bit tinny on the back palate. But it is an extremely enjoyable wine. I’d rate the Voyager more highly at the same price point but the Devil’s Lair stands up pretty well against it. And the Voyager is real class.

There are some lovely Australian Chardonnays around this price now. Devil’s Lair sits near the top. And it’s widely available at a retail level. That’s a bonus.

Winery Website- http://www.devils-lair.com/index.html

This entry was posted in Chardonnay, Margaret River. Bookmark the permalink.

2 Responses to 2007 Devil’s Lair Chardonnay

  1. Chris Plummer says:

    You're very right about that Voyager Jeremy. I tasted the 2007 at the Royal Adelaide and thought it was easily among the best chardys of the day.

    To be honest I almost forgot how cheap that wine actually is until you pointed it out in this post. Thanks mate! I'll put it on my to drink list ASAP

    Thanks again,
    Chris P

  2. Jeremy Pringle says:

    My pleasure Chris. I don't drink enough of the Voyager myself to be honest. I'll grab a bottle next week too I reckon.

Comments are closed.