The Crittendens deliver with a delicious Zumma 2022 Chardonnay

And we’re back. Holiday is over; it’s time to attack the pile of wines with renewed vigour (or something like that).

And why not launch back in with another excellent Chardonnay from the Crittenden family’s Mornington range, eh? This Crittenden Zumma Chardonnay 2022 sits at the top end of the range, sourced from the 42yo Home Vineyard, and it packs in some swagger. There’s work here – layers of peachy cream fullness that went missing in the Kangerong wine but in full swing here. There’s a little solidsy funk, grilled nuts oak, a just right sense of crisp acdity and that driving, cool white fruit middle. It’s hardly a broad wine – too taut for that – but all of the flavours work to make something delicious. I’m probably underrating it.

THE VERDICT

• Best drinking: now and for five years easy
• Score (out of 20): 18.5
• Score (out of 100): 94
• Alcohol %: 13
• RRP (in $AUD): 65
• Winery website: https://www.crittendenwines.com.au/
• Would I buy it?: oh yes