Jeremy Oliver Rating 95!
1999 was a variable year in South Australia due to high temperatures and low rainfall, although Penfolds policy of multi-regional blending allowed them to source parcels of fruit from areas, such as Piccadilly, that received good winter and spring rains and hence weathered the summer heat. Chardonnay was a standout for the vintage, with ripe grapefruit characters and great depth of flavour. Maturation period of 10 months maturation in new (80%) and one-year-old (20%) French oak.
Pale straw with brilliant green hues. A full rich Chardonnay with deep, complex aromas of golden apples, mango and paw paw and hints of grapefruit. The primary fruit flavours are enhanced by spicy/cinnamon/smoky oak characters together with the subtle butteriness of malolactic fermentation. Complex and tightly structured, with intense lime and grapefruit on the front palate, which slowly changes into a mixture of citrus and pear. Finely chiseled acidity, cedary oak and lees yeastiness give excellent depth and graciously offset the richly textured underlying fruit. Finely interwoven and seamlessly presented, this is a standout Chardonnay of impeccable pedigree with an extended, elegant finish. Alc/Vol: 13.0%. Notes sourced from Penfolds.
Country:
Australia
Region:
SA-(Other)
Variety:
Wine White - Chardonnay
Size:
750mL
