Mayhem & Co. Chardonnay 2012

July 7, 2013

Mayhem & Co. Chardonnay 2012 (Adelaide Hills, SA)
12.8%, Screwcap, $36
Source: Sample
www.mayhemandcowine.com.au

The Mayhem & Co range has really kicked up a notch in 2012, with the Shiraz a serious highlight and this Chardonnay even more impressive again. If I was James Halliday this would be an easy contender for the ’10 Best New Wineries’ list (or such). My eyebrows aren’t up to James’ standard though…

This 2012 Mayhem & Co. Chardonnay is made by Brendon Keys (of BK Wines) and is wild fermented in 30% new oak with 80% of the blend going through malo then spending 12 months in oak. Just 280 cases produced.

A light straw yellow colour, I thought it had more than 30% new oak initially, such is the macadamia nut oak richness. But it’s sexy oak, and it doesn’t interfere with the palate at all, the extra layers of oak and malo also giving this weight to match with firm, grapefruity acidity.

The net result is a bloody delicious modern Adelaide Hills Chardonnay of freshness but also mouthfilling flavour. That acidity is just a little blunt at times, but the length and form suggest that it’s just going to need a little time in bottle to come together magically. Tasty +

Drink: 2013-2017
Score: 18.5/20 94/100
Would I buy it? Definitely

2012, Adelaide Hills, Chardonnay, Wine

Andrew Graham was once voted the 23rd most trusted wine critic on the planet. A WCA Journalism Young Gun now old hack with 25yrs as a buyer, judge, journalist, marketer and too much more.

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