Yarra Valley 13.2% Screwcap $24.99 Source: Retail
Consumed with simple lemon and sage roast chicken and veg last night, this was absolutely glorious. I’m having another gander at it now and my impressions haven’t changed.
It’s still quite fresh and youthful. Will go another 3-5 years in a canter. The primary grapefruit, white peach & nectarine are still there but time in the bottle has added developed layers, most clearly in the form of crème brulée and scorched almond. Toasty oak furthers the weight and power of the wine but the sense of underlying elegance is still intact. Richer flavours are controlled by a fantastic spine of bright acidity.
Gentle mealy notes come through from the mid-palate onwards, accompanying generous wood spice. Savoury lees aspects seem quite evident but everything is in harmony. I love this style of Australian Chardonnay. It hits all the right spots.
Winery Website- http://www.hoddlescreekestate.com.au/
Hey Jeremy,
This post just reminded me that I haven't roasted a chook this year. Not once. Got to rectify that I reckon. Thanks for the inadvertent reminder… and a good post as always
Screw the "good post", I'm just glad I reminded you to roast a chook
I concur, good post JP, but if anything it's made me duck through the chardonnay section of my collection (not that I have anything against roast chicken
as this post has reminded me how delicious good quality, affordable Aussie chardy can be at around the 5 year mark. Ooh, I think I found one….
Cheers,
Chris P
Hadn't really thought about it, but the 5 year mark is often when good Aus Chardonnay really hits it straps. Mind you, I've got some Curly Flats that will need longer & they aren't the only example of that. I get a bit irritated when people say Aus Chardonnay can't age.