Yarra Valley 13.5% Screwcap $46 Source- Retail
Sometimes you’re in Liquorland (don’t ask why) feeling depressed at the pitiful selection of wines you’re supposed to choose from and you spy a bottle that gets your heart racing again. Sure that bottle has probably spent the last 3 years in 30-40 degree heat and been knocked over a dozen times before finding a home on the rattling fridge shelves for the last six months, but hey….the thought of an 04 Coldstream Hills Reserve Chardonnay, even if it’s not in tip top shape, is still more captivating than any of the other ten wines available.
Now I got real lucky on this one. I took it to dinner and it was drinking beautifully, with no sign of poor storage at all. Still very vibrant, the grapefruit spine drives right through the middle of the palate joined by white peach and melons, cashews & grilled nuts. There’s some nice development with creme brulee, buttered popcorn and caramel but the definition is still superb. Nothing blurry here. The oak is still prominent but it’s almost fully integrated and the fruit will last a while yet.
Layered, with a commanding presence, the wine is full of power but not over the top. Simply excellent.
Winery Website- http://www.coldstreamhills.com.au/
You have made my day with this review Jeremy – we picked up 3 of these when last in the Yarra and have had them in the cellar ever since. I was wondering if they were ready to send 'home'. Based on your review, I might bring one back and drink the other 2 over the next 4 years – do you think they will last that long/longer?
Cheers
Rod
I think you're plan is about exactly what I'd do if I had more in the cellar
For my tastes, it will go very well over the next 2-4 years, and should last longer. But best bet is to crack one and decide based on your preferences. It's ready to have a look and decide I reckon.
Cheers
jeremy
I love it when you take a risk somewhere where you know the wine was stored under probably less than ideal conditions and the gamble pays off. Hurts when it doesn't though. I recently took a punt on a Late Disgorged Yarrabank sparkling that I knew had been in the shop's fridge for a fair while and no surprise it was fairly o hum. Mildly oxisised, stripped of fruit, no length, absense of any tasty lees derived characters I was expecting. Damn, cause the wine when good, is pretty darn good. Live and learn
Dave
It's like winning at the Casino. It happens but if you keep going back you'll get burnt in the end