2005 RESERVE CHARDONNAY
JAMES HALLIDAY, AUSTRALIAN WINE COMPANION
2008 Edition
Far more depth and texture than most Yarra chardonnays, almost headed into Margaret River territory; perhaps the Rick Kinzbrunner touch, given major winemaking inputs which augment every flavour nuance. Screwcap. 14% alc. Rating 94 To 2013. (Awarded highest star rating, 5)
HUON HOOKE, GOURMET TRAVELLER WINE
Oct/Nov 2007
Could Rick Kinzbrunner fit any more flavour and character into a bottle than this? I doubt it. Heavily worked and immensely complex, this chardonnay boasts mealy, toasted-nut, vanilla and stone fruit aromas of great power and dimension. Extraordinary! 96 Points
CAMPBELL MATTINSON, THE WINE FRONT
3 July 2008
Fabulous chardonny. Tight, long, powerful and complex - this has it all going on. It's got a creamy texture but lots of cutting acidity too, its bristling array of wheaty, yeasty, minerally complexities placing it firmly in the 'Burgundian' mould. Despite its obvious power this too is a wine of steely control - there is a lot more to be unfurled. Super wine.
NICK STOCK
THE PENGUIN GOOD AUSTRALIAN WINE GUIDE 2009
It's business time! Funky complex and well-judged heady winemaking influence, the oak is wedged in tight, some flinty struck-match aromas sit across cool reserved grapefruit aromas. The palate’s long and enticing, zesty flavours punch in a straight line of smooth rich stone fruits, some nougat and a smoky after-burn.
Score: 94. Quality: 4.5 stars. Alc/Vol: 14.2%. Drink: 2010. Closure: screwcap.
JEREMY OLIVER, THE AUSTRALIAN WINE ANNUAL 2008
Quite a developed colour, this chewy and sumptuously textured chardonnay sports a heavily worked, slightly cooked and grainy perfume of quince, grapefruit, sweet oak and honeysuckle. It's round and generous, with deep citrus and melon skin-like flavour almost over-awed by the extent of smoky, creamy and matchstick-like winemaking artefact. It finishes with good, if not exceptional length, but retains plenty of freshness.
JENI PORT, THE AGE EPICURE
14 August 2007
Fresh cut pear, citrus - extremely fruit rich - with juicy, fresh succulence. Creamy and mealy with great texture. Made at Giaconda.
