I had the good fortune to see the 2011 Estate Chardonnay along with the Wallis and McCutcheon Single Vineyard Chardonnays pre-release and posted notes on them at the time. I think my score was initially stingy and am happier with this tasting note. The step up to the Estate Chardonnay, sourced from the Wallis and McCutcheon vineyards is noticeable. I wonder how much of the increased linearity and elegance is due to 73% of the fruit coming from the Wallis site which I think almost always produces Chardonnays of greater structure and subtlety? A cooler year is obviously going to play a part as well.
We’re still seeing some generosity here but there’s more detail and definition to go along with the punchy stonefruit notes. Amidst a savoury leesy body are suggestions of sweet basil, lime and brown spice. Comforting layers of buttered toast and nougat are present but the line is never enveloped or lost. An almond and grapefruit finish. Complexity without any corresponding loss of form. 92
Region: Mornington Peninsula
Alcohol: 13.0%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $42
Tasted: October 2013