2008 Brookland Valley ‘Verse 1’ Chardonnay

Margaret River, Western Australia

As the weather gets colder thoughts often turn to big reds and fortifieds, but don’t forget the delights of a good Chardonnay on a cool winter’s night, with a rich seafood stew or a hearty chicken pie. There has been so much anti-Chardonnay sentiment around in the past few years some people think it’s easier to give up on the whole variety, but I urge those of you who feel that way to give it another go! You really are missing out on a wealth of wonderful wines and this is just one of them!

The trick to good Chardonnay at any price point is balance – freshness, fruit, acid, oak, creaminess all in harmony without any one element overwhelming the other elements. The ‘Verse 1’ is Brookland Valley’s second label, comes in at less than $20 a bottle and shows wonderful balance and length, punching well above it’s weight! Pale green gold in colour, the nose starts off a bit cheesey (great for those of us who like those aromas, a bit off putting if you are not familiar with them – persevere) and quickly opens up to show grapefruit, honey and a touch of spicy vanilla. On the palate there is a lovely balance of tangy citrus fruit and acid, with ripe nectarines and creamy smoothness that run around the entire palate.  The finish is long and mouth-watering, inspiring another bite of food, another sip of wine – And there it is; drinkability.  What more could anyone ask for?

Distribution: online and various wine stores

RRP:  $16.00

www.brooklandvalley.com.au/

 

© Kate McIntyre April 2010

Wine Diva Wines of the Month, May 2010