Exclusive to Coles and subsidiaries. Quite a coup for them really. From the Gruyere area of the Yarra Valley surrounding the Warramate Hills (as the name suggests). Fermented with natural yeasts and left on lees for nine months.
The French oak is more prominent here than in the Oakridge Over the Shoulder Chardonnay of the same vintage but it’s bang on the money. A fairly typical nose of white flowers, grapefruit, green apple and lemon over a few generous white stonefruit notes and sensibly pitched sulphide characters which enhance the wine and add complexity. Hints of freshly baked bread and vanilla sponge. It’s delineated and tangy yet milky in texture with spice and a whisper of smoked almond bitterness on conclusion. More forward than the 2011 release but maintains its sense of porcelain delicacy. 92 Very Good
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol: 12.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $32
Tasted: April 2013