1998 Curly Flat Chardonnay

We first met winemaker, Phillip Moraghan, as a customer at our Swanston Street wine shop in the early 1980’s. Due to his determination and talent, Moraghan had climbed to the top of banking’s corporate ladder, only to succumb to a personal obsession - to be Australia’s finest exponent of Burgundy. Moraghan and his wife Jenni (who worked for an opposition bank) learned their first lesson in winemaking in the boardroom – stay cashed up! But money itself is no guarantee of success, and for Moraghan a mentor was required. Someone who would guide him through the maze of pitfalls and technical considerations inherent in his pursuit. That man was the late Laurie Williams, one of Australia’s great viticulturists. Wine lovers may recall the wonderful wines that Laurie made under the Flynn and Williams labels. Superb, refined, flavour filled Cabernets – wines that overtly reflected their terroir. Laurie’s vineyards were an inspiration and did much to enhance the quality and reputation of Sunbury district. Such expertise matched with Moraghan’s dogged ambition held the potential to achieve that prized reputation of being a world class producer of Great Burgundy.

In June 2002 Moraghan chose to launch his Curly Flat Wines in one of the world’s most prestigious and challenging market places. Wealthy, sophisticated wine enthusiasts assembled in New York via two of the city’s most respected wine merchants – Sherry Lehmann and The Morell Wine Experience. This was a big risk for a first release wine, but such was Moraghan’s confidence, and as it happenned the punt paid off. Meanwhile, we were left to plead for an allocation of the stunning 1998 Curly Flat Chardonnay.

Tasting Note: An outstanding Chardonnay. Bright straw colour. Complex, Burgundian nose, with aroma of yeast lees, biscuit, cashews and fig. The palate has excellent body weight and a creamy texture. Flavours of toasted oak, yeast lees, almonds and fig. Dry, with perfect balance and exceptionally long aftertaste of yeast lees, fig, toasted oak and anice. An essential taste experience. Stocks Are Limited!
Cellar 3-4 years (2005-2006)
Alc/Vol: 14.1%

RATING: 96/100

VALUE: XXXXX/5