1998 The Yarra Hill Chardonnay

Bright pale straw colour. Lifted nose, with aroma of spice, butterscotch and yeast lees with a touch of cinnamon oak as an end note. On the palate the expected range of barrel ferment flavours are present. Tropical fruits, melon, spice and butterscotch are supported by nut and yeast lees background flavour. Clean acid finish, with yeast lees and tropical fruits aftertaste. Cellar 2-3 years.

Retasted: March 2001

This is Rob Dolan’s new Yarra Valley venture, and the early results are very similar in style to the very popular Yarra Ridge wines he created. Matured in French and American oak, the wine displays deep straw colour, showing a touch of bottle development. The nose is quite intense, and yet with a degree of predictability with butterscotch spice and barrel ferment aromas all present. The fore palate is quite mouthfilling, but fades towards the back of the palate. Flavours of melon, fig and nectarine, over a spice and vanilla oak background. Creamy texture, followed by clean acid and long aftertaste of spice, butterscotch and vanilla. Cellar 2-3 years.

RATING: 88/100

VALUE: XXX/5