TN: Higher Plane Chardonnay 2012 (Margaret River)

[Waiters Friend]

G'day

After tasting their 2013 recently (viewtopic.php?f=1&t=15469&p=140686&hilit=higher+plane+chardonnay#p140686), a 2012 went into the fridge. Trying it now.

Moderate yellow in colour. Lovely nose of yellow peach, nectarine, toasted grain, and lemon blossom. The palate has lemon pith, a little grip from oak tannins, good supporting acid, and a slight creaminess from time spent on yeast lees.

This is a 'worked' chardonnay, where the winemaker's influence is apparent, but not overpowering. Well balanced and probably drinking slightly better than the 2013. Or it could just be a different night ....

Cheers
Allan

[Waiters Friend]

I found a couple more of these in the cellar, after not having looked at one for 3 years. It's definitely moved in that time.

Deep yellow tending to golden in colour. The savoury developed characters (e.g. warmed grains) are starting to outstrip the stone fruits, although these are still present on both the nose and the palate. There's still lemon pith on the palate, as well as similar textural elements to previous tasting.

Still in good nick, however, I wish I had tried one a year or more ago. Not likely to improve, and I should drink my remaining bottles soon.

Cheers
Allan