Jacob’s Creek’s Reserve Chardonnay has been battling it out with the Penfolds Thomas Hyland Chardonnay in the widely available, high value stakes for the last few years. I haven’t tasted the 2013 Thomas Hyland yet but this is a touch disappointing after a very good result from the previous vintage.
Forward and fruity. As such, the oak seems far less noticeable than it previously has. White peach, pineapple and figs segue into lemon curd. There’s a slightly syrupy dimension that throws me. Some bready, nutty balance. The personality that I’d witnessed before is obfuscated in a more generic display of affability. Given that you’ll find it for $15 and under it remains a viable option. But ultimately I had hoped for more. 88
Region: Adelaide Hills
Alcohol: 13.0%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $17.99
Tasted: January 2014