2021 Crittenden Cri de Coeur Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula

Mid-straw, bright and brilliant in the glass. Aromas of struck match, grilled nuts, grapefruit pith, white flowers and melon skin. Plenty going on here. Fine, focused, long and layered, there’s a lovely core of pithy citrus along with just-ripe peach and nougat. Smart mouth-feel, texture and poise. 

95 points Aaron Brasher winecompanion.com.au

 
The mistake with this wine – or any chardonnay, for that matter, is to serve it too cold. That just muffles the flavours. Guilty. However, this opened up in no time allowing a full spread of stone fruit, lemon, mandarin, ginger fluff cake and clotted cream. The oak is neatly embedded into the body, adding some depth and spicy nuances, and the superfine acidity drives this to a Formula 1 finish.

95 points Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

A switch to sustainable viticultural practices, top grafting with new clones and a change to cane pruning methods have been integral in the development of our winemaking over the last two decades. In 2012 the decision was made to introduce a super premium ranges of wines... The Cri de Coeur (Cry of the Heart) label is made in tiny quantities and perfectly showcases the pinnacle of our viticultural and winemaking efforts spanning over 40 years and two generations. 

The 2021 Cri de Coeur Chardonnay has a lifted florals and citrus leading to white stone fruit on the nose. It is pure fruited and finessed with acid steering the palate and subtle hints of toasty oak. 

Drink with: Pan fried snapper fillets with lemon and caper butter. Crab omelette.

Cellaring: Recommended with peak drinking window between 2025 and 2032. 

No animal products were used in the making of this wine.