The inaugural release of Byrne Farm Chardonnay and tasted at the cellar door with the boss man, Jeff Byrne. What a dude! Sore cheeks from too much laughing are the result of his company. He makes killer Chardonnay too. This sold out release was excellent!
Grown at 900 metres above on the northern side of Orange's Mount Canobolas from a warmer year, the fruit was handpicked and whole bunch pressed seeing 30% new French oak for nine months. Flinty with scents of cap gun (flashes of my childhood wash over me with that descriptor). Rich but measured, green apples and barbecued white fleshed stonefruit drive long. The toast from the oak adds interest with a little creaminess - caramel drop like. I could get comfortable here. A joy to taste the beginning of a label with serious quality.
Drink to eight years.
95/100
Region: Orange