Made at a new (2002) on-campus commercial winery by a full-time winemaker with significant student assistance during vintage, and some through the year. Pale straw-green; a highly aromatic bouquet of grapefruit, white peach and white flowers leads into a finely-framed, light bodied palate, with a touch of French oak. From Orange/Wagga Wagga, NSW Drink to 2012 with seared tuna; $14.30, Screwcap, 12.5% alc; 93 points & Halliday’s Top 100 – The Weekend Australian, November 23, 2009
Pale straw-green; a highly aromatic bouquet of grapefruit, white peach and white flowers leads into a finely-framed, light bodied palate, with a touch of French oak. Screwcap. 12.5% alc. Rating 93 Points; Drink 2012 $14.30 Date Tasted Sep 09 James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2011
What is it with Charles Sturt University Chardonnay and odd numbered vintages? If measured purely on the efforts of 2005, 2007 and this little beauty out of 2009 then it must surely be the best value Chardonnay on the country? It also gives credence to the Orange people (of the Central Tablelands of NSW, not the religious nuts) that this area produces top-class Chardonnay fruit. Throw in the talents of winemaker Andrew Drumm and his team and one begins to understand how these guys have been raking in big awards while competing with the big boys and doing so at beautiful low prices.
I said it about both the '05 and '07 and it is not wine show or judge talk - but it smells good! It has the most wonderful tropical and stonefruit aromas but also hints of floral and a delicate touch of marmalade lurking in the background with the merest hint of oak. The hallmark of the best vintages of this wine has been the remarkable length and so it is again, impressive at any price. Indeed, you could pay two or three times the money for this sort of quality and presentation and not for a second think you were being 'touched'. I wouldn't bother sitting on this, get it open and enjoy now, I look forward to the next odd-numbered vintage! Now-2014; Quality: Excellent BW; WineStar© July 2010
OK, so the bulk of this wine is from its vineyards in Orange, but the university is based in Wagga Wagga and a portion of chardonnay from its local Riverina winery gives the wine tropical fruit notes and added weight to the palate, adding to the complexity. And there’s quite a bit of complexity here for the money. Cantaloupe, peach, blossom, apple and fig aromas lead to flavours of stonefruit, hints of tropical fruit, citrus juice and pith along with nice minerality. It’s well structured, with a creamy texture and bright acid. Can’t ask for more, really. Food match \ Grilled scallops; 4 Stars * * * * Ben Thomas; Melbourne Weekly