Tasted at the Hunter Valley media famil back in May, this was one of the best Chardonnays in the line up showcasing the diversity of the region's quiet achiever. So underrated, Hunter Valley Chardonnay is a fabulous drink when done well. Get this on your radar.
Made with 100% new French oak, it was yet to be released (or priced) at the time of tasting. My notes on the day:
Flinty with struck match, those gorgeous scents of oyster shell hit the mark early on. A burnt orange theme ripples through the wine with white-fleshed stonefruits, almonds and a lemony drive. If anything, it's a touch short on the finish. The oak is handled wonderfully and doesn't dominate - tick. Enjoyed alongside seven other wines over a generous lunch, it would be the wine I'd go back to and look at in further detail but time was against me.
I'll stick with these notes and points for now and hope to revisit it sometime down the track.
Drink to eight years.
93/100
Region: Hunter Valley