Craiglee chardonnay should never be the sideshow to the monumental shiraz wines, but often slips off the radar, for me too. This was a fine reawakening. I last caught Pat Carmody at a trade tasting, middle of last year or so, and it’s always enlightening and worthy. These are of course epic wines in the Australian wine-growing landscape. This wine feels measured in winemaking input and full of the flourish of ripe, chardonnay grapes.
Complex, layered and inherently delicious chardonnay. There’s generosity, big flavour and freshness here. Meanwhile, nougat, honey on green apple, jasmine floral notes and peachy fruitiness are the calling cards. It rolls over the palate with authority, cuddly texture and a fresh hit of fruity brightness to close. It feels savoury, with creamy characters fully woven through the fruit character. It’s a fantastic wine and one of the best releases I’ve tried.
94 Points - Mike Bennie The Wine Front, Tasted: JUN20, Drink: 2020 - 2027