2010 Ashbrook Estate Chardonnay

If you can get past the folksy labelling, this is frequently one of the district's top buys in Chardonnay.
Ashbrook Estate is one of Margaret River's earlier ventures yet it is surprising how many consumers remain ignorant of this bargain producer (Halliday considers it one of Australia's top wineries). Established by the Devitt family in 1975, Ashbrook produced its first commercial wine in 1979. Only grapes handpicked and grown on the Estate are used. This superb, mouthfilling Chardonnay has its focus largely on rich, primary fruit flavours. It was 50% fermented and matured in brand new French oak barriques for 8 months. Brilliant straw colour with a slight tinge of green around the edges and pale straw hue. The nose displays excellent intensity with lifted aromas of white peach, tropical fruit, honeycomb and nougat with a light overlay of spicy oak. Rich and concentrated the palate delivers an explosive flavour profile of white peach, nectarine and tropical fruits followed by some honeycomb and spicy oak. Almost creamy like texture supported by a good acid structure. Very long white peach, tropical fruits, honeycomb and spicy oak aftertaste.
Drink over the next 3-4 years (2012-2016)
Alc 14.0%