Now with a new and improved label.
Softly spoken for a ‘Reserve’ wine. It’s a very impressive expression of Yarra Valley purity and understatement. White peach and flowers, lemon-lime refreshment with a suggestion of orange peel. Lightly toasty nougat oak sits in the background. It’s not overly lean. Minerally acidity guides the wine and streams through the finish. Could well deserve a plus sign after the score. Certainly cellar-worthy. 94
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol: 12.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $50
Tasted: February 2014
For me, this is perennially among Australia’s top 10. The 2010 was among our wines of the year at work a couple of years ago. Always highly respected and regarded, but not always mentioned in lists of greats. I put the Clare Halloran years here at the forefront of Australian Chardonnay. Structurally super rich with an understated amazing power, yet in the most tightly wound and contemporary way. Breathtaking stuff.
And, for what it is worth, incredible value.
I adored the 2011…which says a lot about my personal tastes. This is superb follow-up and I’m sure many will prefer it to the previous model. But no argument from me in general. Clare is doing a fantastic job. I’m smitten with the 2012 TarraWarra Reserve Pinot as well. I’ll look in on it again tomorrow though I doubt my opinion will change.