The fruit is 100% Mendoza clone and sees 25% new French oak, the result is a wine with a lovely textural presence. The shimmer of flinty notes tucks in beside white field flowers, lemons and lemon meringue. The impact of oak is clear with a respectable veil of vanilla. That vanilla theme is continued with vanilla slice feels, some nougat and almond meal nuttiness. Not as precise as previous releases, the fruit has concentration and shows flirtatious dehydrated nectarine on mid-palate. Yes, it's the product of a tough vintage but the asking price doesn't match the quality on this occasion. There are some other Yarra Valley Chardonnays I'd prefer around the $50 mark. Perhaps time may change that thought.
Drink for five years+
93/100
Region: Yarra Valley
RRP: $82
Source: Sample
Source: Sample