1998 Stonehaven Chardonnay

This is a new brand from the BRL Hardy stable. Bright pale straw colour. Intense lifted nose with distinct barrel fermentation aromas, followed by vanillan oak, butterscotch and cashews. The oakiness is very apparent on the palate with strong vanilla and spice almost overshadowing the ripe tropical fruits and peach flavours. Good weight and depth of flavour. Clean crisp acid finish followed by long peach tropical fruit aftertaste. Cellar 2-3 years.

Retasted: May, 2000

Bright pale straw colour. Aromas of melon, fig and butterscotch with a touch of yeast lees and subtle nuances of barrel fermentation. On the palate there is a subtle balance between oak and citrus, with melon, peach and fig flavours enhanced by vanilla and cinnamon oak. Clean acid finish, soft with melon, citrus and tropical fruit aftertaste. Cellar 1-2 years.