This has been released to Oakridge mailing list members and for what it’s worth, I’ve got some on the way to my cellar. In 2008 and 2009 the 864 Chardonnay was sourced from Seville Estate’s Van der Meulen vineyard and it was nothing short of brilliant – so good that Seville Estate have now decided to hold onto their fruit. This year’s release is made from grapes harvested at around the same altitude but a little to the east at the Lusatia Park vineyard in Woori Yallock. The quality is comparable.
Centred around a core of lemon and grapefruit with a hint of mallow and some peripheral pear. It’s not a wine that’s suited to a shopping list of descriptors, rather it impresses through its piercing drive and exhaustive length. Structured by mouth watering natural acidity and with a finish that throws up some slate-like minerality, this is built for the long haul. Feel free to revel in its coiled power now but I’d suggest that the real rewards are at least five years away. Excellent – Exceptional
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol: 12.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $72
Tasted: August 2011