Wirra 12th Man Chardonnay 2012
12.5%, Screwcap, $31.50
Source: Sample
www.wirrawirra.com

Drawn from Lenswood, high in the Adelaide Hills, this Chardonnay has proven to be one of the stars in the Wirra range. After the lean 2011 this looks right on form again.

A complex modern Chardonnay it is too, with tight white peach fruit matching heavier, mealy yeast richness. That nose suggests a fatter, richer wine than the palate delivers, with a real sense of finesse and clarity about the flavours, leading to a clear soft finish (the total acidity here is highish, yet that acidity tastes natural. Win).

Clever, lean-yet-rich modern Chardonnay that carefully balances winemaking derived richness with fruit intensity. It’s perhaps a fraction worked, but I can’t fault the end result.

Drink: 2013-2015+
Score: 18/20 93/100
Would I buy it? On a list, with another year on it I’d be tempted for sure.