Balgownie Estate Chardonnay 2012 (Bendigo, Vic)
13.5%, Screwcap, $45
Bendigo is hardly the first place you think of when thoughts turn to cool climate Chardonnay, but it’s cooler than you think (and there’s a great cake shop in Bendigo).
This Balgownie Chardonnay comes off vines that are now circa 32 years old, which is positively ancient for Australian Chardy.
Stylistically, it ride the new and old school wave. Despite the alcohol this smells quite fresh – green figs and biscuity oak. Surprising acid gives shape to the quite worked, nutty and golden hued palate too. It’s full, a little blunt but also nicely contained – everything you’d sort of want in a slightly old school Chardonnay, plus its long.
Not bad at all. I’d drink it.
Source: Sample
Tasted: November 2014
Drink: 2014-2018
Score: 17.7/20, 92/100
Would I buy it? Not quite. I’d drink a glass or two though.
Buy online: Balgownie Estate
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