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Chardonnay has come a long way in Australia. It's a tricky but versatile grape variety that typically requires a bit of work to add complexity. Not only careful vineyard management but also lots of winery guile, experimentation and expertise. Whether to put the wine through full or partial malolactic fermentation, leave it on lees perhaps with regular battonage. how much new oak to use, which cooper, how much toasting on the oak etc. There are countless variations and lots of ways to make mistakes. But when it all comes together, what a lovely drink!
I've been offered small allocations of a couple of outstanding Chardonnays and I've thrown in an old favourite for the sheer value. You can buy these individually or mixed but The Moorooducs must be ordered in equal quantities. And if you buy a minimum of one dozen, I'll take a further 5% off the total price. Here they are:
Michael Hall Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2008 - $37.50 - I visited Michael earlier in the year over in South Australia and was mightily impresed by his entire (if small) range of wines. This Chardonnay really is a cracker. It has just been written up as one of Philip Rich's Top 20 wines of 2010 (Australian Financial Review Nov 2010), alongside wines such as Giaconda Chardonnay, Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier and Jasper Hill Georgia’s Paddock. James Halliday also rates it very highly as follows: - "Bright colour; a fragrant bouquet of nectarine and citrus leads into a vibrant and incisive palate with white peach and nectarine fruit, the oak subtle, the acidity natural; 250 cases made. Rating 96 Drink 2015" - James Halliday
Next up are two vintages from Moorooduc Estate, with their super premium version called The Moorooduc. The 2008 vintage has just received 97 points from Halliday which places it equal top score in his 2011 Australian Wine Companion with Chardonnays such as Yattarna, Cullen, Eileen Hardy and Bindi Quartz. The only purchasing condition on these two vintages is that you must order equal amounts of the 2007 and 2008.
Moorooduc Estate The Moorooduc Chardonnay 2007 - $52.50 - "By some measure, the most complex wine of the three '07 Moorooduc chardonnays, with strong structure surrounding the fruit; its strength lies in its depth as much as its length. Rating 96 Drink 2019" - James Halliday. Only 148 dozen produced.
Moorooduc Estate The Moorooduc Chardonnay 2008 - $52.50 - "Light straw-green; this wine brings together the best of the McIntyre and Robinson Vineyard wines, complexity, sheer intensity and an extremely long palate with great energy and drive. Close to perfection. Rating 97 Drink 2019" - James Halliday. Only 94 dozen produced.
Voyager Estate Chardonnay 2007 - $36.50 - I've said it before and I'll say it again - this has to be the most consistent and best 'value for money' Chardonnay in Australia, bar none. - "Stylish, elegant and focused, this rather tight, silky and finely controlled chardonnay has as delicate floral perfume of grapefruit, melon and citrusy fruit, lightly toasty oak, grilled nuts and creamy, leesy undertones backed by cloves and cinnamon. Long and savoury, its pristine, crystalline fruit is tightly underpinned by a fine chalkiness, finishing long and restrained, with a pure core of flavour, complex bakery notes and a mineral aspect wrapped up a taut and finely balanced acidity. 96 points, YTD 2012-2015+" - Jeremy Oliver
So why not make up a mixed dozen (for example, 3 bottles of each wine) and take advantage of a further 5% discount off these prices. Just remember The Moorooduc wines must be ordered in equal quantities. Please note that if you are ordering a mixed dozen online, the 5% discount will not show up but will be discounted before your credit card is charged.
Or you can order by email to ross@wineadvisor.com.au
Ross Dunning - The Wine Advisor | 