So now I am drinking what I think is a top quality chardonnay but JP otherwise known as ‘Chardonnay Sharon’ or more favourably ‘The Chardonnay Queen’ is not here to provide her expert opinion. So no subtle sideways look to suggest that I am an idiot. Looks like I am just going to have to wing it… This looks like being the best Hillcrest Chardonnay since the outstanding 2002 vintage. Maybe better. There are only a measly two (2) barrels made and they sent up two (2) bottles because they still choose to seal it with the nefarious cork. Nice cork though. Very smooth and silky and I am sure it would bounce most pleasingly off someones head if I threw it at them. There has to be a good use for cork after all…

Aromas of stonefruit, grapefruit, oatmeal, smoke and plenty of fine spicy cashew nut oak. On the palate great intensity of flavour. A powerful wine with grapefruit, stonefruit, mineral and a slight tropical edge featuring tastefully applied gingery oak. It is savoury yet fruit sweet with clean crisp acidity and impeccable balance through the length of the palate. Finishes long and spicy with crisp grapefruit and ginger spice. This is a very rare and special wine.

Rated : 96 Points
Tasted : Oct06
Alcohol : 13.3%
Closure : Cork
Drink : 2008 - 2012