2005 CHARDONNAY
JAMES HALLIDAY, AUSTRALIAN WINE COMPANION
2008 Edition
An elegant, medium-bodied wine with melon and citrus fruit, then a minerally finish; still very tight and closed, and will flourish with time in bottle. Screwcap. 13.5% alc. Rating 90 To 2015. (Awarded 4.5 Stars)
MATT SKINNER, THIRSTY WORK
SUNDAY HERALD SUN, 22 April 2007
Garry and Julie Hounsell employ an all-star cast to produce wines on their 13ha Dixon's Creek estate in the Yarra Valley. Production of the Toolangi Chardonnay 2005 was assigned to Tom Carson, and the result is a restrained, yet beautifully crafted, wine that's outstanding value for money.
RALPH KYTE-POWELL, THE AGE EPICURE
28 November, 2006
In a few short years, the Hounsells' Toolangi chardonnays have become Yarra Valley benchmarks. There are three levels of quality but this "base" wine is still very classy. It has an appealing subtle complexity yet it's rich too, with ripe nectarine-like fruit woven through nutty winemaking inputs and restrained oak, finishing long and dry.
Ageing? Yes, one to four years.
Food ideas: Lobster; rich fish dishes.
$$$ - A wine with a price tag which makes it a steal.
4.5 stars - First class, a wine of distinction not far below the top rating.
KEN GARGETT, DON'T BUY WINE WITHOUT ME 2008
This mob do three chardies. If that sounds a bit greedy, it's the consumers who benefit. This is the baby, but it's still a finely crafted wine with persistence and quality fruit. It, and the middle one, are made by Tom Carson at Yering Station. At the top of the tree, the Reserve (completely fabulous) is made by Rick Kinzbrunner at Giaconda. It's a fun exersise to line the three up and see the differences; it's just as enjoyable simply to drink one.
