TN: 2011 Jamiesons Run Limestone Coast Chardonnay

[newworld]

Stop laughing! There is method in my madness. I think some on here will know why I'm writing this - those who get Halliday's Wine Companion e-newsletter. And as there are less than 2 weeks before his latest tome is released, I thought it appropriate to start a discussion on the 'great man' and his scoring system.

He gives this wine 93 points, which is completely unexpected for such a commercial wine. Even JH himself doesn't usually give more than, say 90 point, for such wine. Even I was surprised.

Anyway, despite my scepticism about the quality of the label, I bought a bottle to see for myself. Halliday says it has some oak, I tasted it blind against an oaked chardonnay I already had open in the fridge, Seppelts Jaluka chardonnay 2009 (no TN here.)

It was instantly obvious which was the JR. It had none of the Jaluka's delicate nose of roasted cashew nuts and crisp, cool climate fruit. It had some fruit, but it was completely overpowered by washing machine power aromas that many cheap chardies have. The palate was, unfortunately, more of the same. In fact, so unenjoyable I found this wine, there's no point describing it further.

So, I'm not sure what to make of Halliday's scores in future if this one is in any way representative.

Anybody enjoyed this wine?

Update: 2nd night in the fridge and I think I know what Halliday sees, now. Although there's no oak taste, oak has been used to its advantage as, texturally it's become very good - comparable with Jaluka, believe it or not. Quite impressive for a commercial wine in fact. I still don't like it as the acid is quite bitter - a touch gin-like. But if you can handle this taste, you could quite like this. In fact, if you can, for $9, it's an absolute bargain. But it's not for me. My Jaluka cost $14, so I'm happy anyway.

[Waiters Friend]

Interesting post indeed. It was like The 12th Man calling a 'reverse outswinger".

I've not tried the JR, but I have tried (and enjoyed) the 2009 Jaluka. Having tried previous vintages of JR (and in my younger years, it was the 'fridge white' for a little while) I cannot imagine they are comparable. The question of oak is part of that - during my 'fridge white' time, the oak was questionable at best, and diminished over time. BTW, the fridge white has evolved considerably since then