2012 Old Stones Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
Powerful oaky aroma. Almost oily. Lots of oak spice. Very oaky on the palate too but cool and precise. I fear the oak will always dominate a little but this will appeal to oak lovers while remaining refreshing. Long, too. (JH)
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Lean focus with still lots of flavour. River rock and quartz character with a mix of both pith and citrus fruit and kiss of baking spice. Mouthwatering acidity and length. A bit disjointed – will integrate with a bit more time in bottle. (ECB)
Screwcap. An old favourite. 'Baby sister to Sigrid Chardonnay.' Quite a bit of evolution on the nose. Very succulent and precise. Interesting contrast with the Coldstream Hills Chardonnays I tasted the day before – it's actually a bit more crystalline – delightfully pure and indeed quite reminiscent of wet stones (not sure of their age). Also the very merest hint of passion fruit but nothing too obvious. Neat finish. This seems a very fair price for the quality. It would be difficult to find this value from Burgundy. (JR)