The PIccadilly Valley is, for my money at least, one of the best places in Australia to grow Chardonnay. It’s the sort of place that feels special and winey and a valley where everything looks a little greener and more lively.

This Chardonnay is a wonderful anomaly too – a ripe wine, from a hot year, that is still in quite good shape. Did I mention how good the Piccadilly is for Chardonnay?

Sourced from the elevated north eastern corner of the Piccadilly Valley it saw partial MLF and lees stirring.

It certainly smells like an 11 year old Chardonnay with quite a deal of toasty development. Underneath the leesy, buttered melon palate doesn’t lack for substance, though the alcohol is starting to wade noisily into the back palate.

Still great length signals that this would be a promising wine in its youth, though it’s just a bit too broadly developed to be delicious now (though not over the hill just yet – indeed it’s still got some life). Length gives this an extra point and surprising drinkability when all is said and done.

Source: Sample
Tasted: July 2014
Drink: 2014
Score: 16/20, 87/100
Would I drink it? No. But I can appreciate how good it is looking for its age and station.
Buy online: Piccadilly Hills website