Category Archives: Chardonnay

2010 Circe Blanc de Blancs

In this age of endless spiels about hands-off winemaking and some sort of naïve return to nature (proof positive of just how unhappy most of us are with the society we’ve created – which isn’t to suggest any of our … Continue reading

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2012 Printhie Mountain Range Chardonnay

Good drinking for the price. More than competent if a little lacking in personality. White stonefruits and lemon curd with citrus accented acidity contributing a well-defined line. The oak is a little clunky but fortunately it’s not a dominant feature. It … Continue reading

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2012 Howard Park Great Southern Chardonnay

The 2011 Howard Park Chardonnay was a trophy level wine. Vintage conditions haven’t allowed the same level of achievement with this year’s release however it is still rewarding. Just a little less structured and focused is all. Sees 30% new French … Continue reading

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2012 Oakridge 864 Willowlake Chardonnay

“2012 was a very good all-round vintage, pretty much all round the country really. It was very easy to get it right. Classification was the difficult part. With the 864s we’re looking for a little more length, a little more … Continue reading

Posted in Chardonnay, Yarra Valley | Tagged | 2 Comments

2012 Oakridge Local Vineyard Series Guerin Vineyard Chardonnay

Hello, here’s that smoky sulphide character which also plays a big part in the Oakridge house-style and which Bicknell embraces while still seeking verity of site. He reckons the sulphides are related to the cooler sites and pressing techniques. Smoke, lemon and … Continue reading

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2012 Oakridge Local Vineyard Series J & J D’Aloisio Vineyard Chardonnay

While I could see the quality inherent in the 2011 Oakridge 864 J & J D’Aloisio Vineyard Chardonnay, it never quite won me over in a personal sense. I just ended up buying the 2011 Funder & Diamond 864 instead. … Continue reading

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2012 Oakridge Local Vineyard Series Lusatia Park Chardonnay

“The two most important processes in making our Chardonnay are picking date and pressing,” according to David Bicknell. That emphasis on repeated pressings brings texture to the wine, especially the crunchy phenolics that are present in each of these 2012 Oakridge … Continue reading

Posted in Chardonnay, Yarra Valley | Tagged | 4 Comments

2012 The Armchair Critic Chardonnay

Quality Chardonnay for twenty bucks or less. It has personality, attractive cool climate Tumbarumba fruit and plenty of creamy texture to counteract a spine of citrus tinged acidity. It takes a little air for the fog of lees to lift but … Continue reading

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2013 De Bortoli Sacred Hill Chardonnay

Serviceable Chardonnay and as good as you’re likely to find for seven dollars. Some respect for De Bortoli mentioning on their website that oak staves (rather than barrels) were used during fermentation. The oak influence does feel cheap but what do you … Continue reading

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2011 Picardy Pemberton Chardonnay

Very pleased to be able to cover Picardy on WWEI. A big thanks to those that made it happen. You know who you are. While the 2011 Chardonnay won’t fall over in the next three to five years it’s pretty … Continue reading

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