Category Archives: Chardonnay

2011 Seppelt Jaluka Chardonnay

From the cool environs of Henty in south-western Victoria comes this high quality, linear and driving Chardonnay. It’s on the lean side but it is not underdone. Shows stuffing through the middle, particularly on the second day of tasting. Smells … Continue reading

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2010 Domaine Louis Moreau Les Clos Grand Cru Chablis

At a recent event for Australia’s First Families of Wine, Robert Hill Smith of Yalumba made the rather absurd suggestion that media types were somehow guilty of a double standard when it came to their criticism of cork closures and … Continue reading

Posted in Burgundy, Chablis, Chardonnay | Tagged | 6 Comments

2010 Domaine Louis Moreau Vaillons Chablis 1er Cru

What a wonderful sight is quality Chablis under screwcap. Wish we saw more of it. The Louis Moreau Grand Cru 2010 is sealed the same way. I’ll get around to tasting and reviewing it soon but seeing as it’s only … Continue reading

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2011 Bantry Grove Chardonnay

I’m unfamiliar with Bantry Grove. Positives and negatives here. Ultimately it misses the mark but it shows enough to warrant encouragement. Stewed pears, grapefruit and stonefruit. A little toasty oak but it’s certainly in the background. Some cinnamon/baking spice. It lacks … Continue reading

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2012 Oakridge Local Vineyard Series Barkala Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay

The first of the Oakridge Local Vineyard Series wines from 2012 to cross the tasting bench. I do tend to get rather excited by them. The Barkala Ridge Vineyard is situated in Wandin East towards the south of the Yarra … Continue reading

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2012 Brookland Valley Margaret River Unison Chardonnay

Well, the Cabernet was good. I’m not really won over by the Unison Chardonnay though. It’s very tropical and a bit too syrupy for me. Lots of ripe stonefruit flavour with melon and lemon chiming in. The oak is prominent adding … Continue reading

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2012 Fraser Gallop Estate Parterre Chardonnay

The follow-up to the highly acclaimed 2011 Fraser Gallop Estate Parterre Chardonnay is a more fine-boned affair. Greater restraint and increased elegance yet the intensity remains undeniable. This is the Chablis of the Margaret River. Did I really just write that? … Continue reading

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2011 Spring Seed Four O’Clock Chardonnay

Clever marketing behind these wines. From the labels and names to the events used to showcase them. Many of my friends are drawn to the identifiable floral motif and that recognition no doubt plays a part in their purchasing decisions. Smells rather … Continue reading

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2012 Chapel Hill Chardonnay

The second vintage of the wine that replaced the Chapel Hill Unwooded Chardonnay. I think the use of a little oak is wise. It balances some of the more overtly tropical flavours the region can produce. The label on the … Continue reading

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2010 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay

Tasted briefly alongside the 2006, 2008 and 2009 vintages last week then again from one bottle over two days. It’s looking just as impressive today as it did in the mini-vertical. I suspect many of us over-rated the 2009 LEAS … Continue reading

Posted in Chardonnay, Margaret River | Tagged | 2 Comments