-
95
/ 100
Gary Walsh -
95
/ 100
Wine Pilot
White
Classification
Chardonnay
Variety
2021
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
Australia
Country
Victoria, Beechworth
Region
12.5%
Alcohol %
5-10 Years
Cellaring
Scores
95 / 100"If Brunnen chardonnay is the black sheep, this is the more straight laced cousin. In that, more ‘classic Beechworth’ in its way, but geez, it is a belter from any angle. MB: Succulent, quietly powerful, green apple, just-ripe nectarine, a touch of ginger, some green almond, licks of nougat and a faint saline mineral edge in there too. Beautiful, gently floral perfume with the rest of those characters I wrote before. The palate a swish and swizzle of pretty fruit, savoury elements, cool, high toned acidity, a faint rose water character, which is interesting, and, like Brunnen, exceptional length and freshness. Phwoar, haven’t VS&B nailed chardonnay in 2021. 95 points. GW: White peach, cedar and cinnamon quills, a little mint, chamomile, ginger. It’s light, cool feel to it, some green olive, gentle saline character, a light dusty texture studded with sweet spice and almond, with a fine powdery grip on a finish of excellent length. Calm, fine-boned, and beautifully turned out. It’s some drink."
- Gary Walsh
95 / 100
"This opens all salty and creamy, with aromas redolent of those that waft from a platter of blinis. A swirl of the glass uncovers fresh pure fruit notes of green pear, green apple skin, and subtle white nectarine ahead of a whisper of oak spice. Lovely oyster shell notes emerge with air increasing the savoury appeal. The salinity and creaminess play well together, a balance of tension and weight. The palate is medium bodied with lovely intensity and a spicy undertone. Ripe lemon, nashi pear, bitter apple skin, mineral. Loads of bright acid and apple-laced phenolics bring the tension and attractive bitterness through to a long salivating close. A characterful and thought-provoking Chardonnay, and one that will reward following time in cellar."
- Wine Pilot
Tasting Notes
Tessa and Jeremy are playing a long-game with their Vignerons Schmolzer & Brown label.
It comes as no surprise that the buzz around this husband and wife team is palpable and the praise is high. Max Allen called them, “one of a remarkable number of impressive new wine labels to have cropped up in Beechworth over the last five years.� They are going to be at the forefront of Beechworth wine for many years to come.
Bright pale straw. Aromas of cashew cream, almond blossom and white peach, along with a smudge of flint and warm biscotti. The palate has some worked creaminess yet is restrained in weight, with a certain slatey mineral anchor and Meyer lemon acid carriage. With time in glass, some hints of herb garden show through.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity