This imbiber is of the view that, dollar for dollar, Australia is presently producing the best Chardonnay in the world at present. Yes, it is true that in some cases the pendulum has swung too far and certain wines are lean to the point of being mean and austere. That said, there is a wide range of Chardonnay styles, from intelligently made examples of the new wave, steely style (Yabby Lake and Thick as Thieves being but two) to full bodied, fully worked ‘Chardy’.
What we see less of these days is clumsily made, overworked wines from sites that are not particularly well suited to the Chardonnay grape. Geelong’s moderate climate has a strong affinity, as evidenced by the excellent wines of Bannockburn and By Farr. If this wine is any evidence, Paradise IV Chardonnay deserves to be ranked alongside these more famous labels.
2011 Paradise IV Chardonnay is not a subtle wine. There’s plenty of oak on show here, high quality nutty, spicy oak set against a backdrop of fresh, pristine Chardonnay fruit. What makes this wine work so well, aside from the quality of the wood and the fruit, is the fact that the wine hasn’t been worked to within an inch of its life. A prominent line of vibrant acidity ensures it has genuine life and verve.
2011 PARADISE IV CHARDONNAY
Producer: Paradise IV
Variety: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2011
Region: Geeling, Victoria
Alcohol: 13.0%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $46.00
Date tasted: 31 January 2015
Tasting Note:
Bright yellow gold. Open nose of bold spicy oak (nutmeg, clove), grilled hazelnuts, grapefruit, honeydew melon and nashi pear. Full bodied and full flavoured, prominent high class smoky and spicy oak entwined with grapefruit and pear. Plenty of impact and class. Not subtle, but there’s plenty to enjoy and admire.
Score: 17.5/20
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