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2009
If Cath and Kim had been American, their declaration that the “haich” in Chardonnay was silent may well have spawned a counter revolution, propelling the variety back into popularity. Sadly however, even when pronounced with a silent “c”, the statisticians inform us that sales of Chardonnay in this country continue to decline. The saleability of individual wines is linked not surprisingly to brand strength but also to wine style. Perhaps more so than with any other variety, once people find one they like, they tend to stick with it. Not simply “abc” (any bloody Chardonnay)!
The 2009 continues our run of elegant yet focused food friendly Chardonnays. The colour is enchanting penguins’ eye, the nose warm and enveloping as it extends the inviting hand of friendship. On the nose, fine peachy fruit with caramel custard prime the imagination while honey-puff and spicy cinnamon toast round out the aromatics. Judicious lees stirring during early barrel life has produced familiar mealy notes while hints of cocoanut oak and a nuance of brandy glazed ham adds complexity and leads to the inevitable tasting experience. The palate is both delicate and eloquent; something between a diminutive Princess Di on her wedding day and Meg Ryan seeking love atop the Empire State Building. Lush nectarine flavours meld with tangy pineapple notes and add focus to the breadth that comes from breeding. The texture of rough-cut apple cucumber and dry weetbix is tempered by the finely polished phenolic structure which imparts an eerie calm to the mid pallet. Up front a streak of blue acidity, like Leo Bertos dribbling down the right wing giving crispness and sharpness on the ball. The finish is long and charcoaly with a slight scorpion sting in the tail, creating a sort of surreal punch-drunk balance.
| Technical Information |
Harvest date:
Brix at Harvest:
Final Alcohol:
pH:
Total Acidity:
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6 - 24 Apr 2009
23.7 - 24.6
14.2%
3.02
7.4g/l |
Residual Sugar:
Bottling Date:
Release Date:
Cellaring:
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Nil
19 March 2009
1 December 2010
2 to 5 years |
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