TN: Howard Park Chardonnay 2013

[Waiters Friend]

This was a group tasting note from a vertical I conducted nearly 3 years ago http://forum.m.auswine.com.au/forum3/viewto ... 4d#p140862:

2013 Howard Park Chardonnay (Great Southern 60.9%, Margaret River 39.1%, 12.8% alc). Only slightly darker than the first three wines, and still very much in the pale straw spectrum. It shows more of the fleshy peach characters, along with melon, stonefruit, a hint of struck match, and one taster got “toasted banana bread”. The palate is layered, with creaminess, toast, some salted caramel, roasted marshmallow, and notable viscosity compared to the surrounding wines. One taster noted that she had “died and gone to heaven”, however opinion was divided – it was either your favourite wine of these four or out of kilter with the rest. It’s developed at a different pace than the previous wines (and indeed, a couple following).

I don't know why I haven't opened one since. It has definitely developed over that time, and is now a moderate yellow in colour. The fleshy peach characters are still evident, but there's also some grapefruit alongside honeydew melon. The palate is also showing development, with some yeastiness replacing creaminess. There's a little toast, and the peaches have been oven-baked in a pastry case. The viscosity is still there, but no more than I would expect from a 6 year old wine.

This is interesting, and I will reference the previous TN in terms of "developing at a different pace" to surrounding vintages. I think this has become more apparent, and I might suggest this is an early-drinking vintage (a relative term, given that these wines age superbly).

Cheers
Allan

[Waiters Friend]

18 months on from the last TN, and there's signs of further development, but not as much as expected. Only slightly darker in colour.

Many of the citrus elements have faded, with the fleshy peach now fully to the fore, and melon in the background. Oak is still presentm, in a supporting role. There's still some freshness, and viscosity has not developed further.

So much for my previous assertion that this might be an early drinking vintage! At 8 years of age, this is looking very smart indeed, and there's no sign of it falling over any time soon.

[Waiters Friend]

Another 18 months on, and it's time to look at this wine again.

Medium yellow in colour, and the nose seems quite intense and concentrated. Fleshy peach remains, along with some nectarine and vanilla/cedar. Oak is now a little more noticeable, but not overpowering, and I am enjoying this shift. Full flavoured and finishes quite long, this is still looking very good at 10 years of age.

Cheers
Allan