Wines of the Month
2011 Krinklewood Basket Press Chardonnay
Broke Fordwich , Hunter Valley, NSW
Next time you are in the Hunter Valley, why not go just that little bit further and visit the Broke Fordwich sub-region and to a cellar door evocative of Provence. The Windrim family have created one of the more scenic retreats in the Hunter. One that also has the benefit of being biodynamic with a focus on creating wines needing minimal intervention. Apart from this Chardonnay, look out for their fresh zesty Semillon, fresh juicy Wild White and Wild Red blends and a pale pink rosé made from Mourvedre.
This particular Chardonnay is hard to find but is well worth the search with only 150 cases having been made. The way the texture of this wine plays through the palate is a sure indication that this is not the run of the mill style of Chardonnay. Pressed in a Basket Press, fermented with wild yeast, the wine then spent 12 months in an unusual egg shaped tank with a portion in French oak. The philosophy behind the shape of the tank is to gently keep the wine moving so there is no need to manually stir the lees.
This has created a very soft but still fresh Chardonnay. The ripe grapefruit, the type that is naturally sweet without being tart, is overlayed with floral and spice notes. Fine natural acid and an elegant body shapes the mouth into a smile that lingers rather than a pout.
Enjoy it over the next few years or now as a fine choice for your festive dinner this year or with some nutty pear and brie tartlets.
Distribution: Contact cellar door
Value: $37.50
© Lisa Johnston November 2012
Wine Diva Wines of the Month, December 2012
