1998 Petaluma Chardonnay

The fourth year of drought in the Piccadilly valley proved to be a hotter season than normal, thus moving forward vintage to the second week in April. This is a superb Chardonnay, but one that has a profound influence of the winemaker stamped on it. Bright pale straw colour. Magnificent nose filled with classic 'White Burgundy' aroma, but without the peaks that one normally finds in wine. Not altogether seamless, but certainly very apparent aromas of butterscotch, yeast lees, ripe peach, toasted oak and cashew. On the palate the secondary flavours are dominant, toasted oak, roast almonds and yeast lees are very persistent. Perfect balance with long cashew, almond and yeast lees aftertaste. Cellar 5-8 years.