In the March issue of National Liquor News, our wine tasting panel sipped and swirled their way through a selection of Chardonnay. They were pleasantly surprised by the evolution of Chardonnay since the 1990s, finding some lovely and well-made wines from right around Australia.
As you can see, our judges comments were overwhelmingly positive, and speak highly of the quality of wines being produced out of the 2018/2019 vintages.
“The wines have some lovely layers. Cool climate is where Chardonnay seems to be finding its home.” – Christine Ricketts
“The commercial wines showed restraint and balance and there were some great value / well-made wines in the under $15 bracket.” – Renee Foster
“The Adelaide Hills and Western Australian wines were the strongest.” – Mark Bradstreet
“Most of the Chardonnay I tasted was in a lighter more modern style. It has been fascinating watching the evolution of style in Australia since the 90s. Even the heavy styles are more elegant and refined.” – Tom Lynar
“On the whole, Australian Chardonnay is in a good spot currently – the blousy 90s were overcorrected to lean and mean, austere offerings. But the current trend of more generous fruit held in check by good acidity, when done well can be a real crowd pleaser for all palates.” – David Wright
“Strong varietal characteristics. Many wines lacked strong acidity making them more suited to drink now with subtle flavoured foods.” – Nigel Burton
Here are some of the highest scoring Chardonnays from the March Wine Tasting Review.
2017 Pooles Rock Premiere Chardonnay (95 points)
Region: Hunter Valley
Distributed by: Agnew Wines
“Great mouthfeel, very pleasant and layered.” – Christine Ricketts
2018 Rob Dolan White Label Chardonnay (95 points)
Region: Yarra Valley
Distributed by: Nelson Wine Company
“Gold in colour with a big buttery nose. Weighty mouthfeel with well-balanced fruit and a medium finish.” – Emma Fogarty
2019 Brokenwood Chardonnay (94 points)
Region: Beechworth
Distributed by: Samuel Smith & Son
“Intense nose, bold tropical fruits, good balancing acid, excellent depth and length.” – Renee Foster
2018 Giesen Estate Chardonnay (92 points)
Region: Hawkes Bay
Distributed by: Oatley Fine Wine Merchants
“Creamy, green apple skin, ruby apples, nashi pears and a subtle hint of oak. Lovely firm but elegant finish.” – Andy Milne
2018 Devil’s Lair Margaret River Chardonnay (95 points)
Region: Margaret River
Distributed by: Treasury Wine Estates
“Mineral and flinty but balanced with weight and texture.” – Andy Milne
2017 Brockenchack Charli Jaye Chardonnay (91 points)
Region: Eden Valley
Distributed by: Brockenchack Wines
“Cheesecake on the nose. Very unique flavours, palate is very bright and acidic.” – Emma Fogarty
2018 Taylors Jaraman Chardonnay (94 points)
Region: Clare Valley / Margaret River
Distributed by: Taylors Wines
“Nice acid balance, fruity peach, pear, creamy cashews, balanced and lingering.” – Christine Ricketts
2018 Patritti Merchant Chardonnay (89 points)
Region: Adelaide Hills
Distributed by: Vinsight (NSW/ACT); Put a Cork in it (VIC); Wine Solutions Australia (SA); Patritti (Rest of Aus)
“Rich nose, robust yet balanced flavours. This one is for the old school Chardonnay drinker.” – Mark Bradstreet
The full National Liquor News wine tasting review can be viewed here.