With the celebration of ‘Chardonnay Day’ last week, I took the opportunity to taste some global Chardys under $20. I looked at wines from Chile, Australia, and France. I also tasted the latest vinous babies from Tarrawarra and revisited the 2006 Curly Flat Pinot Noir.
2011 Montes Classic Series Chardonnay (Curico Valley – Chile)
This offering from Montes looked more like Sauvignon Blanc than Chardonnay. The aromas are quite grassy and green tropical fruit, with the palate showing a lack of fruit weight. It does have a slightly creamy mouth-feel that is appealing, however, it finishes quite short. It’s perfectly drinkable, but it’s not very satisfying. Some of these aspects probably have something to do with the ultra-cool 2011 vintage in Chile and poor fruit set in the valleys.
13.5% Alc. Screwcap closure. RRP $8.99
2011 De Bortoli Windy Peak Chardonnay (Yarra Valley, Vic)
Aromatically, it shows nectorines and gooseberries with hints of lemon zest. The palate appears balanced and highly citrusy with a slight creamy texture, good acidity, a moderate length and a touch of phenolics on the finish. It’s not what I would call a complex wine, but it is a very pleasing drink – especially at the price point.
12.5% alc. Screwcap closure. RRP: $11.99
2010 Louis Latour Macon-Village ‘Chameroy’ (Maconnais, Burgundy – France)
Scents of peaches and smoke-like sulphur initially rise out of the glass, but this gives way to more stone fruits and a lick of spice. The palate is racy showing citrus, peach skins and a creamy texture, with some attempt at complexity. However, the length is moderate. It comes across as more rounded and fuller-bodied than the previous two wines, but there is no oak in this. It rates highly on the drinkability scale.
13% alc. Diam closure. RRP: $16.99
2010 Tarrawarra J-Block Shiraz (Yarra Valley, Vic)
Medium to full-bodied in nature, it shows heightened aromas of spiced black cherries and blue fruits along with a whisper of cinnamon and savouriness. Black cherries invade the palate at first with a savoury follow through, and a kick of exotic spice at the tail. The acid is upright and balanced, and graphite-like tannins coat the mouth. The savoury and spicy characters certainly linger. This is a lovely wine that is still in its infancy and will benefit from more time. But if you can’t wait, give it a good decant before drinking.
This is only the second vintage of the J-Block Shiraz. Interestingly, the Shiraz is co-fermented with 2% Roussanne. It’s matured for 18-months in French oak puncheons and barriques (20% new)
14.5% alc. Screwcap closure. RRP: $35.00 (450 doz produced)
2010 Tarrawarra K-Block Merlot (Yarra Valley, Vic)
I know, you’ve seen the word Merlot and have lost interest. But hang on a minute – I think this could be one the better Aussie Merlots I have tasted.
A complex nose of black plums, licorice, an earthy, terracotta-like character and hints of dark chocolate is bewitching, but it doesn’t stop there. The very medium-bodied palate is almost Eurocentric. It’s quite savoury with controlled earthy tannins, a lovely balance and a decent length. If you are looking for a fruity wine, this one is not for you. However, it is a highly intriguing and enjoyable drink for those looking for something a little different and food-friendly.
Here is some info for fellow wine tragics. Tarrawarra use an Italian Q45-14 clone grafted onto 20yo Pinot Noir MV6 rootstock in 2006. It’s matured for 18-months in French Oak puncheons and barriques (20% new)
14% Alc. Screwcap Closure. RRP: $35.00 (550 doz produced)
2006 Curly Flat Pinot Noir (Macedon Ranges, Vic)
I drank this wine with dinner two nights running. It was so awesome I had to include it.
Intoxicating aromas of cherries, earthy spices, slight florals and savouriness float around the nasal passages. The palate is also spicy with a gamy character and a smidgen of dried herbs. The acid is balanced and forthright, the tannins are fine and mouth coating, and the finish just keeps on going. It still has a few years ahead of it. It was still lovely the next day, just a bit softer with the cherries really coming through. A classic Curly Flat Pinot Noir.
13.5% alc. Screwcap closure.
Deb Pearce Wine Blog 