The second lot of releases heralding the partnership of Aria Sommelier Matt Dunne, winemaker Mac Forbes and all-rounder Nicholas Crampton. Nicholas’ wife is apparently as fond of her Chardonnay as I am so this should keep her happy. It comes from the Lusatia Park Vineyard and the cleansing minerality that site produces shines through in a warmer year, providing form and extension to a shimmering water-colour expression of the variety.
Green apple skins and malic acidity, white peaches, smoked almonds, well pitched nougat oak and light florals. Woodspice to close. Refined stylings with the warmer vineyard providing a little more stonefruit flavour than you might ordinarily see. The reach and conviction through the back-palate wins me over. 92
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol: 13.0%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $35
Tasted: April 2014