Review: Soumah Equilibrio Chardonnay 2018

Trophy winning wine, vindicated.

This Soumah Equilibrio Chardonnay 2018 took out the award for Chardonnay ‘Best In Show’ at the Decanter Wine Awards.

Now I’m always sceptical about any wine that wins big trophies in very large wine shows, having seen the absolute randomness as an actual judge. But this is undeniably fine Yarra Chardonnay.

Unlike the delicate and lean Soumah single vineyard wines, this is bolder, rounder and more generous, the taut and svelte palate trading in more new oak, more fruit weight and more profondity.

Apricot, peach, cashews and then a ‘no malo here’ fresh finish. It’s made to win trophies this, with a really swish personality, and a notable winemaking stamp. But the push/pull of artifice and fruit makes it a satisfying, high quality wine.

Best drinking: now to eight years. 18.7/20, 95/100. 13%, $80. Soumah website. Would I buy it? Fair buying at this price, if just a little pricey. I’ll drink your bottle thanks.