2018 Sorrenberg Chardonnay

Sorrenberg’s Chardonnay is 100% barrel fermented in French oak, 25-30% of which is new. All of the wine goes through natural yeast fermentation and completes malo-latic fermentation for added complexity. It is then matured in the same barrels for 18 months with extended lees contact and stirring during the first 10 months.

Brilliant straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Wafting out of the glass are intense aromatics of ripe peach, apricot and honeycomb which are complimented by complexing notes of butterscotch, cashew, nougat, lightly roasted almond and spice. Very rich and round, the creamy textured palate is filled with ripe peach, apricot and nectarine fruit which marries into elements of cashew, light butterscotch, honeycomb, spicy nougat and traces of hazelnut. Superb depth and power with nicely balanced acidity, concluding long, rich and textured on the aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.9%

Other Reviews….
Arguably Australia’s best chardonnay; I’m holding the mic right now – one of the planet’s best considering Australian chardonnay has a few seats at the table. Marrying proper chardonnay grape flavour, judicious barrel seasoning, lees, yeasty character, richness, acidity, an intangible ‘energy’, few come at the throne. So much going on, and another stellar wine here. It’s upper echelon. Few chardonnays anywhere come this close. Hyperbole, sure, but bring on the more expensive disappointments to me. I’m ready!

So much power and grace, effortless though, a smooth, medium weight ride of everything chardonnay is and can be. Scents of honeycomb, candle wax, jasmine, stone fruit, green apple, faint toast and warm cashew. The palate similar, layers of flavour, sure, a bit richer than some releases, or so it feels, but then it doesn’t, and the building coolness of minerally acidity finds good measure and balance, even finishing the wine fresh. Slate-like mineral stuff lingers and resets the palate. It’s moreish too. So very much so. Beautiful-feeling, complex chardonnay of the highest pedigree. Outstanding. Epic. Again. Drink 2019-2030.
97 points
Mike Bennie – The Wine Front