Purchased on release and cellared at Wine Ark, then brought to my humble abode and shared by a friend. Quite simply this is what wine is all about. I would have been grateful had it turned out to be a curio but that wasn’t to be the case.
At nine years of age the most delightful developed characters sit alongside primary fruit that retains exemplary freshness. Perhaps the first surprise though are the honeysuckle florals that still waft from the glass. Scotch Finger oak has integrated leaving a certain sweetness to accompany peaches and plantains. Beeswax and buttered toast present in tasteful proportions and the extension of lime citrus though a lanolin edged palate is enough to give the impression that some Hunter Semillon has made its way into the wine. Chris Tyrrell kindly informs me that isn’t the case when I ask. A fantail finish with hints of wildness and earthy cumin offers a fitting conclusion to a bottle that reinforces my faith in aged Australian Chardonnay. Such a joy to drink and I imagine it has many years of pleasure still to offer. 95
Region: Hunter Valley
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Tasted: July 2014