You’d like to think that you could pick a Margaret River Chardonnay blind everytime. They have that certain je ne sais quoi. Of course, I also drink about as many of them as I do Chardonnays from the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula. They are my three favourite regions for the variety and each offers a distinctly different take.
Plenty of regional generosity on display although the wine hasn’t been allowed to go through malolactic fermentation, leaving lively lime and ruby grapefruit acidity to guide it accurately and with precision on the palate. Pear, melon and stonefruits provide richness and there’s a distinct biscuity lees note. A hint of sour milk too; remember, it’s often the rancid note that makes the greatest perfumes sing. Cinnamon spiced oak concludes proceedings. Impressive and damn tasty. 92 Very Good
Region: Margaret River
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $30
Tasted: February 2013