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Jeremy Matthew
Barrel Sampler
Posts:2067
 | | 12/13/2002 6:50 AM |
| I not normally a perosn to taste Aussie Chardonnay simply because of the availability of NZ examples but I decided tonight would be a good opportunity to try an Aussie chard.
Chardonnay was the second most planted white variety in the Barrossa in 1996 behind Riesling. The styles of Barossa chard tend toward, large full bodied wines with high phenolic noses dominated by oak. A general comment must be made that there isn't one Barossa chard Ihave tasted that has made me go wow, so I open this aprehensively.
The Burge family has been making wine in the region since 1855 but the label Grant Burge was founded in 1988 with 200 hectares producing a large variety of wines in particular Shiraz, Cab Sav and Merlot being the wines which Grant Burge has specialised in.
To confuse issues their is also the Family label (produced off another vineyard and made at a differant winery).
This chardonnay is produced at commercial levels of production (around 20,000 cases) making it one of the largest produced chards in the Barossa.
Having said this it recently picked up a Gold at the Perth Wine SHow (in category 26-whatever that means). and am looking forward to tasting this. It retails in NZ for $18 (so ($9 USD).
2001 was a average to okay vintage with moderate to high tartaric acids producing whites of superioir quality while many of the reds lacked the depth and structure required for the typical Barossa styles. Volume in reds was a problem as few "hens" (grapes with large skins and solid seeds.)Having said this there are many exceptions. Also of note the 2001 Barossa Rieslings and Chards have done remarkably well in competition and judging.
Tasted in an ISO chilled to about 12 degreees celsius
Colour: Solid light gold
Nose:Nice smoky notes of peach, apricot (but not botrytis affection)moderate malo influence solid but subtle cheesy aromas (lees contact at a guess), phenols are well intergrated with the aromas, not dominating.
Palate:Excellent palate feel with nice rounded flavours. Texture is silky (13.5% alcohol) integrates with the zing of the acids. Good length and full flavour. A little drawn for my liking though with the acids leaving a slight (and I do mean vey slight) bite.
Overall: A Great wine for the dollars. I know there are many good CA Chards out there in Yank Land but as an alternative I would try this. I give this a B+ on the QPR scale and a 88 on the Jeremy Scale. | | | |
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