2015 Giaconda Estate Vineyard Chardonnay

A superbly crafted Australian Chardonnay possessing that elusive combination of immense power, textured richness and freshness.

Brilliant pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Pronounced white peach and nectarine aromas intermingle with a hint of grapefruit, notions of struck matchstick, subtle gun flint, cashew and spicy citrus. Rich and full in the mouth yet at the same time fresh and vibrant delivering outstanding flavour intensity and power. Mouthfilling flavours of ripe white peaches, nectarines, ripe citrus and dried honey are overlaid by flinty gun smoke like characters with underlying cashew and spice. A well rounded almost creamy like textural feel is counterpointed by a lively thread of acidity. Long aftertaste of white peaches, nectarines, dried honey, flinty gun smoke characters, cashew and spicy citrus.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc 13.5%

Other Reviews….
Hand-picked, whole bunch-crushed and basket-pressed, fermented in French oak (30% new), 100% mlf, matured for 22 months, not filtered. Pale, bright straw-green; the bouquet is very complex, yet subtle due to emphemeral husky/creamy nuances. The sheer power of the palate is of a category unique to Giaconda (and perhaps Leeuwin Estate), for it is on you before you realise it, the acidity bright and fresh notwithstanding the mlf.
98 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion