Pepper Tree Venus Block Orange Chardonnay 2014

From a vineyard at 800m altitude and a very cool year in Orange.

Straw green in colour, there is biscuity barrel ferment richness on the nose, over a surprisingly plump and soft edged palate. For such low alcohol I was expecting this to be more bracing and honed, but the edges are dipped in caramel sauce oak and the finish soft and generous. This provides a solid mouthful of flavour, but is still short, a bit forward and lacking in bite. Best drinking: 2015-2018. 16.8/20, 89/100.

Details: 12.5%, Screwcap, $35, Sample.
Would I buy it? No.
Buy online: Pepper Tree website