Tyrrell’s Hunter Valley Chardonnay 2014

Smart wine. I opened it with a selection of more fancied, more expensive wines and this just put them away.

A little brother to Vat 47 according to the label. Matured in a mix of new and old oak, just like its more expensive brother.

Part of the appeal here is a great Hunter Chardonnay vintage. You can smell the perfect ripeness from first whiff, with banana oak and yeast characters over a surprisingly taut palate.

It’s not particularly complex, and there’s a little warmth on the finish, but otherwise it’s just a lovely Chard for anyone into the more medium bodied, mod-Hunter style.

For $20 this is Goldilocks Chardonnay.

Details: 13.5%, Screwcap, $20
Tasted: March 2015, Sample
Best drinking: 2015-2019
Score: 17.7/20, 92/100
Would I buy it? Yes. This would be a shining star on an pub wine list.
Buy online: Australian Wine Centre