Cumulus Rolling Chardonnay 2011 (Central Ranges, NSW)
12.5%, Screwcap, $17.95
Source: Sample
www.cumuluswines.com.au

A little trivia – the Orange wine region is one of the only ones in the world where the regional boundaries are drawn up via both geography AND altitude, with 600m the designated altitude cutoff. Below the 600m mark the region is classed as Central Ranges (much less sexy). The Cumulus vineyard straddles this invisible boundary too, the higher parts in Orange, the lower Central Ranges. This wine is sourced from the latter.

A bright, light and fresh style that sees little oak, the balance here really quite good. It carries that crystalline, high acid nose of the the cool vintage of lemon anBright and green yellow colour. Crystalline pure nose of yellow apple meets grapefruit. Dry and slightly green palate has clearly seen very little oak but looks wonderfully fresh and clean. Perhaps a little simple but definitely fresh and lively. Good fresh Chardonnay at a very valid price.

Drink: 2012-2014
Score: 16.5/20 88/100
Would I buy it? Not personally but it is a very good example of the style