TN: Main Ridge Estate Chardonnay 2018 (Mornington Peninsula)

[Waiters Friend]

G'day

Main Ridge Estate was the first winery established on the Mornington Peninsula (1976, I think). I was impressed by the wines when I visited in late 2016, and have picked up the odd bottle since.

This is a light yellow colour and quite bright in the glass. The nose is quite complex, and shows white peach, vanilla, grains and just a dash of grapefruit underneath. The palate is a little surprising - given the nose, I was expecting a rich full palate, but this is almost delicate, with the peach and fruit flavours (with a touch of banana) on top of supportive (but not assertive) oak and texturally the wine is quite soft. Acid is medium, but again unobtrusive, and the whole package meshes together very well.

Having drunk a 2013 in the past few weeks, I wonder whether I am drinking this too young, and it might fill out with another year or two. A very good wine now but perhaps not what I was expecting.

Cheers
Allan

[Rory]

Allan,

A change of ownership in 2016 seems to have slightly changed the style from what you would see in the 2013 to the current 2018.

[Waiters Friend]

Hi Rory. The change of ownership had recently taken place when I visited in late 2016, and Nat White (the founder and former owner) was still engaged as a mentor or consultant. Maybe the style is changing but I would expect the changes to be gradual.

Cheers
Allan

[Rory]

Yes, however I also had the 2018 Chardy a couple of weeks ago, and noticed the change. I think as of 2018 Nat was no longer consultant.

[Waiters Friend]

Thanks Rory. That makes sense. It will be interesting to see if a) the style has changed and b) if anyone else can give us more information (on this forum). I would be disappointed if the style is less rich than those of previous vintages.

[Rory]

I will do the right thing and head over there on weekend to get the dirt... so to speak.

[Waiters Friend]

Following on from the 2020 TN, there's certainly been some development over that time. Served after only a short time in the fridge (after being in the cellar at 16').

Colour is now medium yellow. The nose is a little more savoury than it was, with cedar and vanilla over yellow peach and nectarine. The palate has filled out a little, with ripe peach flavours sitting on top of cashew and buttered toast. Acid is supportive, and the wine finishes reasonably long and full.

Depending on how you like your chardonnays, this is possibly at its peak, and is a good accompaniment to a roast chook.

Cheers
Allan

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