Here’s a relatively inexpensive Chardonnay that merits serious consideration solely on the basis of its quality. Medium-bodied, it offers fine balancing acidity thanks in part to a portion of fruit sourced from the cool Adelaide Hills, and just a touch of spice and toast from partial oak aging. Remarkable value.
Australia seems poised for a comeback in the American market, and this is just the sort of wine to lead the way with no-tricks deliciousness and a price that’s right. The color is deep but also shows some positive development that is reinforced by both the aromatic and flavor impressions. Neither thick nor sweet nor oaky, it is very drinkable while also proving surprisingly complex and interesting at its price point.
Getting convincing Cabernet character at this price is an extremely pleasant surprise, and this wine really delivers. The core aromas and flavors recall black cherries and fully ripe plums, with darker cassis tones also showing and lending heft. Medium-bodied and very expressive in aroma and flavor, this is all gain and no pain from excessive wood or hard tannins.
Orange marmalade and peach are lively, energetic flavors. Bubbles are perky and burst to reveal lemon verbena and a stony minerality.
Barrel fermented, it embraces the palate with a creamy wave of banana, almond croissant, and charred caramel.
Lean, crisp, and clean, with notes of lemon blossom, fresh linen, and salted pears. Delightfully refreshing style.
Grapefruit zest initiates a stream of herbaceous notes on entry. Sleek, with high-wire acidity, it offers a stony mid-palate and a finish sparked by zesty lime chiffon.
The core virtue of this strong value Cabernet is its pure but punchy fruit flavors, which are so straightforwardly delicious that most tasters will be glad that oak isn’t more evident. The fruit shows a mix of black fruit tones along with less prominent red berry notes, and subtle savory accents lend additional interest. The grapes seem to have been picked at just the right time, as the fruit displays excellent balance with acidity and tannin.