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Yarra Valley Estate Grown Chardonnay (2008)

92 points
"The notes say ‘texture and minerality are equally important’. That is, equal to varietal fruit flavours. It’s not a statement I disagree with and this wine shows minerality. The fruit is subdued at first but grows and leaves a great presence"

The KROW Issue 25, February 2010


"Winemaker Steve Webber and wife Leanne turn out some spectacular wines. This chardonnay is no exception, textured with citrus and stonefruit flavours, nutty characters, mineral undertones and finishes soft and creamy."

Kerry Skinner, Illawarra Mercury, January 2010


EXCELLENT

"A complex yeasty and butterscotch nose running to grapefruit marmalade flavours on a richly textured palate under-laid by smoky oak and toasty, malty, oatmeal characters which combine to produce a perception of honeyed sweetness on the finish. A very complex, individual and enjoyable style with, I would think, an interesting future."

Sunday Tasmanian, January 2010


95 points

"Steve Webber's Chardonnays continue their upward trajectory in 2008 - remarkable considering the lofty heights of previous vintages. With the purity of guava and ultra-zesty pink grapefruit underlying the complexity of barrel ferment, this is a wine of amazing finesse."

Tyson Stelzer, WBM, January 2010


"This is a stylish chardonnay with subtle melon-like fruit which is given complexity and texture by clever use of lees. The oak is low-key yet this wine still has excellent structure."

Winewise Volume 25 Number 5 December 2009, December 2009


USA
90 Points
The 2008 Chardonnay was naturally fermented in older oak where it remained on its lees. The wine went through full malolactic fermentation. Light gold-colored, the nose is reticent but with coaxing displays aromas of toast, mineral, poached pear, apple, and hazelnuts. On the palate it is medium-bodied, elegant and reminiscent of a quality Cotes de Beaune. Intense, well-balanced, and long, it will drink well for 4-6 years.

Dr Jay Miller, Wine Advocate #186, December 2009


95 points
"Steve Webber's Chardonnays continue their upward trajectory in 2008 - remarkable considering the lofty heights of previous vintages. With the purity of guava and ultra-zesty pink grapefruit underlying the complexity of barrel ferment, this is a wine of amazing finesse."

Tyson Stelzer, WBM Magazine, September 2009


Silver Medal
2009 Brisbane Wine Show

Region
Yarra Valley, De Bortoli Estate Grown

Appearance
Light straw with a green edge

Bouquet
Complex nutty mineral chardonnay aroma

Palate
Tight lean citrus like fruit with hazelnut undertones. Terrific length, flavour and texture.

Vintage Conditions
The 2007-2008 growing season was warm and dry. Cooler conditions with some rain closer to harvest gave some lovely humid conditions ideal for Chardonnay.

Winemaking
Fruit is selected from 4 distinct estate vineyards. The grapes are hand picked and whole bunch crushed and pressed to extract some good phenolics for texture and minerality. The juice is allowed to ferment naturally in older French oak casks. Lees are stirred regularly until spring. Fermentation and maturation in older French oak casks.

Wine Analysis
Alc/Vol : 12.5 %   pH : 3.38   TA : 5.6 g/L  

Cellaring
The wine will continue to develop complexity and interest with good cellaring for up to 5-8 years.

Suggested Cuisine
Try with spinach and ricotta ravioli

General Characteristics
Dry  Medium Bodied


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Other Vintages:  2007  : 2006
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