2018 Sentio Beechworth Chardonnay

Owner/winemaker Chris Catlow was born and raised in Beechworth where during his teenage years he worked for Barry Morey at Sorrenberg. His time there inspired him to go onto complete a double degree in viticultural science and wine science. Then after working seven vintages on the Mornington Peninsula for the likes of Kooyong Estate and Paringa Estate, he established Sentio wines with a particular focus on Chardonnay.
Brilliant pale straw colour with a subtle glimmer of green around the outskirts and a watery hue. Refined and complex the nose offers up aromatics of white peach and nectarine subtlety infused with gun flint followed by biscuity oak, citrusy nougat and light roasted almond notes. Rich, mouthfilling flavours of white peach, nectarines and dried honey have a cream tinged edge to them with biscuity oak, roasted almonds, spicy nougat and infusions of gun flint adding interest on the back half. The finish fresh, textured and very long. All class.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 12.8%

Other Reviews…..
Sat out on the verandah, kicked off the moss, poured a glass of chardonnay, pre-dinner light, September, fading.
In a heartbeat. I would drink this. And buy this. It’s a wine of understated flavour, high texture, satisfaction and finesse. It builds as it progresses through the palate. Like a train, surging. It’s all stone fruit and nut, a hint of vanilla, cool tones but flesh. You can tell it’s been in oak, it has that woody afterwards. That woody afterwards; I had to type it again. Beechworth is a pretty harsh place. Hot, cold and rocky. Vines don’t thrive there, they resist. No wonder Kelly made a stand there. Upright power; that’s what this wine has. Drink 2020-2027+
95 points
Campbell Mattinson – The Wine Front