Cooks Lot Chardonnay 2010 (Mudgee, NSW)
11.5%, Screwcap, $20

Source: Sample
www.cookslot.com.au

Mudgee Chardonnay is rather an unappreciated beast in the scheme of things, much like Mudgee itself actually (though the region is not without it’s challenges – read this report for some perspective). This wine is made with minimal oak and little malolactic fermentation by the looks of it.

The style and emphasis here is all on fruit, kicking off with a slightly blunt, ripe melon and mango nose. Full, ripe Chardonnay ripeness on the nose with only a mere hint of oak. Peachy, juicy fruit. Palate is lean and clean, yellow peaches but ripe ones, the fruit clearly picked just on ripeness. Very buzzy acidity. No malo. Clean, simple, light to medium bodied and prickly lemongrass pineapple palate. Very young and trim but pleasant Chardonnay in an easy mould. 16/87