2012 Journeys End Vineyards Naturist Chardonnay

One of the bargains at its price point, this wine is developing beautifully since our initial tasting, combining full flavour and texture with delicate oak and acid enough to keep it fresh.

 

This is the latest addition to the eclectic spread of labels under the Journeys End range, produced by the ubiquitous Ben Riggs. We're not sure if Ben frequents the nude beach depicted on the bottle, but the Naturist movement is clearly alive and well in South Australia with secluded areas of Maslin Beach designated "unclad" hot spots. No doubt a cooling glass of this Chardonnay would be a pre requisite if you're planning to visit. Even though the majority of this wine was matured in neutral oak, with only a small proportion in new 'Vicard' French oak barriques, the end result is a fairly full bodied style that will only fill out further with time. Ben has added back an additional 10% of tank fermented juice to provide freshness and vibrancy to the final wine.

Brilliant pale straw colour with watery hue. Ripe peach top notes fill the nostrils followed by some honeycomb, cashew, light butterscotch and nougat. Showing good weight the palate is in the richer fuller bodied style of Chardonnay and will fill out further with bottle age. Mouthfilling flavours of ripe peach, cashew and honeycomb with nuances of butterscotch also present. Creamy mouthfeel with a dry finish and good acid balance. Long honeyed peach, cashew and butterscotch aftertaste.
Drink over the next 3-4 years. Alc 13.5%