$25.99 at time of purchase
Opened this 2011 now with 15 years age with great anticipation, I had been promised by my rep a French style Chardonnay 14 years ago and this is what I got.
Light glowing straw in colour almost translucent. On the nose a hint of cool river stone and mineral followed by the loving buttery whiff of aged Chardonnay.
Drank two glasses first night, nice but a little lean however butter was starting to show through both on he nose and the palate so screwed cap back on and let it open up over night.
The palate offers much of the same however with a tight lean glimpse of citrus at first. A long flavoured wine with a little texture coming through mid plate, with wonderful lemon hints, long, dry, soft lanolin mouth filling
WOW next day, is this an Australian Chardonnay???
I kid you not! The first bottle I tried 10 years ago I complained to my rep at the time Petter Ferrari about the lean rather acid plain style of Chardonnay.
As explained to me by Petter the wine maker Steve webber was aiming for a Chablis style in the 2011 vintage and what he achieved was a world class Australian Chardonnay with a good nod to France in its clean style, however this is Yarra Valley Chardonnay at its best.
De Bortoli only makes reserve wines when the grapes are at there best. (As it should be)
So I got two dozen for the store. Wish I had got two dozen for myself it is stunning so warm and inviting with each mouth full.
I believe there is still a year or two left in this wine, however drink it now and you will not be disappointed.
Yes if you look around some of the smaller stores there is still some out there!!
