The Auswine Forum

G'day

I've been saving these as 'special occasion' wines. Unfortunately, they have snuck up to 10 years of age without me looking at them as often as I should. So, for no reason, my partner and I cracked one last night as a pre-dinner drink.

Wow! Gold colour without looking tired or over the hill, and still bright in the glass. Fabulous, complex nose (especially when it warmed up a little) with white peach, nectarine / stone fruit, spiciness (oak?), warm cashews, and the wine changed over time to reveal more aromas. The palate is where it really shone, however - layers of developed fruit supported by modest grip and acid and more secondary development.

All of this kaliedoscope of aromas, flavours and textures somehow ended up in a balanced, flawless chardonnay. Thoroughly delicious, and I am glad I still have a couple . I doubt it will get any better, but it has definitely not past its prime.

Who needs a special occasion?

Allan

Sometimes opening the wine turns the moment into an occasion. Thanks for the note Allan.

I loved the Voyager from '07, all gone now, along with my one and only LEAS which had a way to run still.

Will

I find that here in Victoria, too often the Margaret River Chardy's get overlooked. Yet they continually produce amongst the top 5 Chardonnays in the country.

Great note
I have had some lovely Cullen

Some wineries flagships like Cullen DM may be overhyped whereas their Chardonnay gives greater value. Possibly the same with Leeuwin Estate, Pierro and Voyager. Long live Margaret River Chardonnay.

Agreed - it took me a while, but eventually I figured I liked Cullen's chardonnay more than the Cab/Merlot. Both are pricey, so even the Chardonnay will be a very occasional purchase.

Speaking of Margaret River Chardonnay, a 2012 Devil's Lair late last year was brilliant, young, focused and electric.

Mahmoud.

Mahmoud Ali wrote:Speaking of Margaret River Chardonnay, a 2012 Devil's Lair late last year was brilliant, young, focused and electric.

Mahmoud.

I endorse your comments regarding Devils Lair, Mahmoud. Consistently good, and I have 2013 onwards in the cellar.

We called into Piero yesterday afternoon and sampled their latest Chardonay. It has the potential to be a excellent in years to come. Had a lovely conversation with Veronica Cullity who was in the cellar door taking down the Christmas decorations.

Waiters Friend wrote:

Mahmoud Ali wrote:Speaking of Margaret River Chardonnay, a 2012 Devil's Lair late last year was brilliant, young, focused and electric.

I endorse your comments regarding Devils Lair, Mahmoud. Consistently good, and I have 2013 onwards in the cellar.

Thanks, the 2012 was poured by a friend of mine while I have a few of the 2013 vintage. Having had the former recently I plan on holding on the the latter for a few years.

Mahmoud.