2022 Colmar Estate Block 1 Chardonnay, Orange

Pressed mineral powder, grapefruit segments and white nectarine. Sandy shores, golden kiwi and apple. Peach cheeks, creamed honey and vanilla biscotti. Ripe fruit with natural acidity and a crème brûlée finish. Drink 2023–2028.

93 points Shanteh Wale for Halliday Wine Companion, March 2024

Colmar Estate is owned by Bill and Jane Shrapnel, who named their property after Colmar, the largest town of the Alsace wine. Purchased in 2013, the estate sits at 980 metres on the slopes of Mount Canobolas and is one of the highest vineyards in Australia.

Block 1 is the oldest part of the vineyard. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were planted here in 1991 on a north-facing slope of weathered volcanic soils, well-draining and moderate in fertility. At over 30 years of age they produce precisely flavoured fruit and wines of clarity and sense of place.

The 2022 vintage was one of the coolest and latest on record at this vineyard, with extended hang time building natural acidity and flavour complexity in equal measure. Winemaker Will Rikard-Bell works with minimal intervention letting the fruit and site do the work.

White peach, grapefruit and white nectarine on the nose, with creamed honey, toasted nut and a thread of mineral. The palate is generous but elegantly held in check by fine, cool-year acidity, finishing long and composed.

Cook something nice with this, maybe some grilled scallops or a nice chicken dish with creamy sauce.