2013 Principia Chardonnay

Principia was founded in 1995 by Darrin Gaffy. A passionate, intelligent, quirky winemaker and vigneron, Gaffy allows terroir to shine through his wines through hand-picking of the vineyard, wild yeast fermentation and vinification without the aid of any pumps or machinery. Matured for approximately 18 months in French oak of which 15% was new.

Full, round and rich this is one of Principia’s best Chardonnays to date boasting impressive concentration and textural mouthfeel

Brilliant straw colour with a watery hue. Very intense aromatics of ripe white peaches melded into honeycomb, light butterscotch and cashew leap from the glass followed by some nougat and spice. Possessing excellent richness and depth the palate is filled with creamy textured flavours of ripe white peaches laced with dried honey and subtle butterscotch over a background of cashew and spicy nougat. Clean dry finish. Has impressive length with a long conclusion of ripe peaches, dried honey, butterscotch, cashew and spicy nougat. Outstanding.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews…
Barrel-fermented with wild yeast, 18 months maturation and no use of pumps are the cornerstones of an elegant and flavoursome wine; white peach, nectarine, melon and creamy/figgy notes flow along the palate, oak simply a means to an end, the length excellent. Drink by 2023.
95 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion