This imbiber has often argued that, dollar for dollar, Australia is producing some of the world’s finest Chardonnay at present. Yes, the very best Burgundy does represent the zenith of this noble grape, but it comes at no small price. There is a proliferation of high quality Australian Chardonnay to be found between $30 and $60 per bottle, ranging in style from the ‘of the moment’ steely and flinty to richer, fully worked examples.
Ballarat isn’t the first region that rolls of the tongue when it comes to Australian Chardonnay (or any Australian wine for that matter). However, the 2013 Byrne Chardonnay confirms just how well Chardonnay is suited to Australia’s cooler regions, including Ballarat.
Stylistically, it eschews the extremes of modern Australian Chardonnay – this is not a lean and mean Chardonnay, but a well honed, generous style that displays an excellent balance of creamy texture, citrusy acidity and oak-driven complexity. Although only 15% new oak is used, it lends its presence in the form of grilled nuts, subtle vanilla and spice.
2013 BYRNE CHARDONNAY
Producer: Byrne Wines
Variety: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2013
Region: Ballarat, Victoria
Alcohol: 13.0%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $38.00
Date tasted: 3 January 2015
Tasting Note:
Bright greenish yellow. Open nose of honeydew melon, candied apples, grapefruit zest, roasted hazelnuts and subtle vanilla. Medium bodied, slightly creamy in texture but balanced by fine, delicate acidity. Stonefruit and melon intermingled with well judged classy oak. Grapefruit acidity carries the finish. Immaculately balanced.
Score: 17/20
Ballarat isn’t the first region that rolls of the tongue when it comes to Australian Chardonnay (or any Australian wine for that matter). However, the 2013 Byrne Chardonnay confirms just how well Chardonnay is suited to Australia’s cooler regions, including Ballarat.
Stylistically, it eschews the extremes of modern Australian Chardonnay – this is not a lean and mean Chardonnay, but a well honed, generous style that displays an excellent balance of creamy texture, citrusy acidity and oak-driven complexity. Although only 15% new oak is used, it lends its presence in the form of grilled nuts, subtle vanilla and spice.
2013 BYRNE CHARDONNAYProducer: Byrne Wines
Variety: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2013
Region: Ballarat, Victoria
Alcohol: 13.0%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $38.00
Date tasted: 3 January 2015
Tasting Note:
Bright greenish yellow. Open nose of honeydew melon, candied apples, grapefruit zest, roasted hazelnuts and subtle vanilla. Medium bodied, slightly creamy in texture but balanced by fine, delicate acidity. Stonefruit and melon intermingled with well judged classy oak. Grapefruit acidity carries the finish. Immaculately balanced.
Score: 17/20
1 comment:
Must seek it out!
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