TN: Robert Bowen Chardonnay 2016 (Margaret River)

[Waiters Friend]

Robert Bowen has made wines for over 40 years - from a number of WA wine regions. This wine is made from grapes grown on the Burnside vineyard in Margaret River. Robert is not the only winemaker to source grapes from this notable vineyard, which slopes down to the Margaret River itself.

Pale yellow in colour. Very attractive rich and complex nose with yellow peaches dominating, but ably supported by grilled cashews, vanilla, melon and nectarine. The palate is full without being heavy - the fruit meshes nicely with the savoury influences, and the acid provides freshness. There's a modest tannic grip and the wine finishes quite long and clean. Totally in balance.

This should age gracefully for at least another 5 years.

Cheers
Allan

[Waiters Friend]

Three years further on, and this has evolved modestly. Still pale-ish yellow in colour. The nose is still complex, but with the addition of a little grapefruit to the mix of stonefruits and nuts. Oak is cedary and almost savoury - vanilla has dialled down a touch.

The palate remains full but with a light touch. All of the elements snoted in the previous tasting note are still there, and the wine remains balanced. This is deftly handled Margaret River chardonnay, and the enjoyment factor is high.

[Waiters Friend]

A year further on, and the wine is now yellow / gold in colour. Stone fruits and a little grapefruit are plentiful on the nose, and there's some oatmeal alongside the grilled nuts.

The palate remains a wonderful balance of fruit and savoury characters - full without being overwhelming or too powerful. Good supporting acid keeping the wine fresh, and the finish is quite long indeed.

An excellent wine, and possibly at its peak now, although it should be OK for another couple of years. Time to look at the 2015s as well. The 2018s have plenty of time in them.

Cheers
Allan

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