A highlight from yesterday’s ROV tasting: Robert Oatley Pennant Mudgee Chardonnay 2011

I ducked my head into the Robert Oatley Vineyards (ROV) tasting yesterday to have a look around, spotting this new super premium Chardonnay amongst the lineup.

Admittedly Mudgee Chardonnay is anything but cool, however in the scheme of things it really deserves more recognition (and love). Indeed the Craigmoor vineyard (one of the three core sources for this wine) contains plantings that are now 40 years old and amongst the oldest Chardonnay plantings in Australia.

The key to Mudgee Chardonnay hitting the really high notes is all about balancing fruit intensity – which is rarely a problem in Mudgee – with acidity and delicacy. In that vein this Pennant Chardonnay nails it, the oatmeal oak and richy leesy nose a little obvious at first, but carried by an admirably fresh and brisk palate that is chewy but not astringent, full flavoured yet still a wine of fruit and genuinely ripe at just 12.5% alcohol.

Most importantly it tastes like Mudgee Chardonnay, with an unwavering intensity of flavour and acidity.

Impressive.

Source: Tasting
Tasted: February 2014
www.robertoatley.com.au
Drink: 2014-2019
Score: 18.1/20, 93/100
Would I buy it? Yes. I could do at least half a bottle.