I have always loved the Gold Label Riesling in the past from this producer. Ashbrook Estate is a small, fairly long established Margaret River winery. The first vines were planted in 1976, and 1979 saw the first commercial vintage. Winemakers are Tony and Brian Devitt. ItÂ’s been a while since I tasted a Chardonnay with 15% alcohol.
The wine is 50% fermented in new French oak barriques and spends six month maturing in wood. YouÂ’d think itÂ’s French style but it isnÂ’t.
Colour medium gold with a green tinge. Quite fragrant and varietal nose with inviting melon and white stone fruits. Medium to full bodied on the palate with lovely sweet extract. A completely dry wine but the middle palate offers beautiful and charming fruit sweetness. Creamy barrel ferment aromas compliment the wine. Superbly balanced, finishing with mouthwatering acid. Definitely a fantastic bargain at AU $24 if you can find it. A modern and stylish Margaret River Chardonnay I prefer to the 2002 Cape Mentelle or Howard Park. Excellent drinking now or over the next 3 years. The alcohol doesnÂ’t seem to stick out if you are a taster but if you attempt to drink the whole bottle like I did, itÂ’ll definitely hit you in the head the same way a full bodied Barossa red would! However, still excellent, a truly varietal Chardonnay, beautifully made. Enjoyed it a lot.
Cheers,
Attila
Tasted: August 2005