Up until a few years ago, this wine got lost in the portfolio of the famous Champagne producer, but not anymore. The last 4 vintages released have been at least excellent in quality and it is no surprise that the magical 2010 vintage has produced a wine that is the epitome of the modern Australian take on still, our most popular variety. The nose is eerily Mersault like with white stone fruit aromas of nectarine, white peach as well as hints of roasted nuts and a gorgeous spice that loiters with intent. Initially the fruit swarms the mouth but this is quickly tidied up with a steely, minerally and lovely textured palate and some broader flavours through the mid and back palate. The acid on the end is perfectly played, the package as a whole almost clinical in its execution. The first glass disappears very quickly, it is indeed more-ish as one critic put it.
Trophy – Best Dry White – 2011 National Wine Show of Australia
Top Gold – 2011 National Wine Show of Australia
Light straw-green; the wine has a very expressive and complex bouquet of cashew, grapefruit and nectarine, the palate picking up this lead-in to perfection, intense and tightly structured, yet nonetheless allowing the fruit to shine through. Oak is present, but marginalised in a wine that shows how much flavour can be harnessed at such low alcohol levels. 12.5% Alcohol; RRP: $28.00; Drink: to 2018; Rating: 96 Points; James Halliday; The Weekend Australian, November 19th, 2011
Gorgeous rich, toasty complexity of aromas and flavours. Spicy/minerally/lemon aromas and a creamy, textured palate tasting of lemony fruit. "Very more-ish," said one judge. 5 Stars * * * * * Winestate Magazine
Mattinson and I just can’t get enough Chardonnay action. We are, of course, aware that Bennie is a Riesling Freak, but he’s entitled to his little perversions. This is a Modern Australian style done right. Grapefruit and white peach gently seasoned with high quality spicy oak. It’s fine boned and delicate, but delivers plenty of flavour and intensity, with a back palate that positively soars. Charming. Beautiful to drink. I’ve written “I’m 93 on that!”, but I suspect it’s slightly better again. So let’s do it. Let’s fall in love. Rated : 94 Points Tasted : Jun11 Alcohol : 12.5%; Price : $27.95; Closure : Screwcap; Drink : 2011 - 2016; By Gary Walsh; The Wine Front
In a fitting start to winter, Domaine Chandon has achieved an impressive five medals at the International Cool Climate Wine Show, including a gold medal for the newly released Domaine Chandon Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2010. Domaine Chandon Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2010 was one of only two Chardonnays to receive a gold medal in Class 4: 2010 Vintage Chardonnay and was the only Chardonnay from the Yarra Valley, making it a particularly sweet result for Still Winemaker Lilian Carter. International Cool Climate Wine Show