Tyrrells Moon Mountain Chardonnay 2007 (Hunter Valley, NSW)
Screwcap, $20

The Tyrrells style of Chardonnay is quite unlike many others, with only very short spells in oak (this only spent 6 months in barrel) and limited malo. The result is a drier, leaner, citrussy style than many others and it usually works quite well.

Very light straw yellow colour, the nose shows vanillan oak & lemon citrus fruit characters with a slight oak dominance. A little volatility for good measure. The palate starts off quite oak dominated before moving into lemon citrus fruit territory, finishing slightly raw on the finish. Lacks the purity of the Belford tasted several months ago and the oak seems to sit on top of the fruit, but its a good lean style that will develop very well indeed.

As a last thought i noticed the alcohol – 13.9%. I think this would have been more impressive if it was picked earlier, with more purity and more acidity. 16.0