Orange is a sleeping giant of Australian Chardonnay regions. Like Tumbarumba, really, though Orange has a few wineries (rather than just largely growers). The regional style is defined by crystalline grapefruit freshness and this mandarin twist in the riper wines (which I like).
This Colmar Estate Block 2 Chardonnay 2021 sits on the lean and filigreed side of the fence, and does it well, with this pristine backbone of green fruit, overlaid by layers of just-ripe white peach, vanilla bean and apple. Importantly, this still went through full malo, and there is an extra creaminess that softens the green-edged acidity (which would be rampant otherwise).
Finessed, and really clever modern Australian Chardonnay.
- Best drinking: Now is good and for the next five years as a start.
- Score (out of 20): 18.5
- Score (out of 100): 94
- Alcohol %: 12.5
- RRP (in $AUD): 50
- Winery website: https://www.colmarestate.com.au
- Would I buy it?: Sure would
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