2013 Geoff Merrill Reserve Chardonnay, McLaren Vale/Coonawarra

The aroma really leaps from the glass to display excellent French oak characters up front which slowly move aside revealing the depth of fruit beneath. Spice, straw and melon notes come through with hints of mandarin and orange pith. French oak fermentation and maturation has added complex notes of cream, toast and cashew. The wine instantly fills the palate with flavour. The mouthfeel is full and flavoursome, finishing clean and fruity with the overwhelming urge to try it again to recapture that initial generosity. A wonderful wine to drink young that will also become more complex as the wine develops over the next 5-8 years and greatly reward your patience.