Tower Estate Hillside Vineyard Chardonnay 2012 (Hunter Valley, NSW)
12.5%, Screwcap, $30

For a full tilt, barrel-fermented Hunter Chardonnay this looks quite nicely balanced.

Lifted, clean, white peach nose – quite fine and subtle nose, if showing an oak stamp. Banana peach palate is very youthful but also quite mineral and plenty clean enough. Really sprightly and fresh, with little of the lettuce-leaf greenness seen in some Hunter 12s, if just a little oaky.

Carefully made and clever, this is easily recommended.

Source: Sample
Tasted: May 2014
Drink: 2014-2017
Score: 17.5/20, 91/100
Would I buy it? A 2 glass drink methinks. Probably at its best in 12 months time.
Buy online: Tower Estate website