COLMAR ESTATE 'RESERVE' CHARDONNAY 2021 ($60 / Orange Region)
My first exposure to & experience of the Colmar Estate brand was in recently reviewing their 3 Rieslings. (Under the previous The Grape Hunter Group)
They are both sourced from the Mt Canobolas highlands of the Orange region where the vines were initially planted in 1991. The property is currently owned and managed by vignerons Bill and Jane Shrapnel.
The grapes for both wines were hand picked and judiciously vinified by Winemaker Will Rikard-Bell to maximise and elevate the pristine cool climate varietal characteristics.
Colmar Estate owner and vigneron Bill Shrapnel is proud to release their first Reserve Chardonnay from the 30-year old Block 1 vines.
Quoting.." We have a firm belief that a Reserve label should be just that; a label only used for the absolute best wines".
Although the previous Colmar Estate Chardonnays have won medals and trophies, it is only now that the Shrapnels have felt comfortable attributing the Reserve tag to this, the current 2021 wine.
It is a well-crafted wine that elicits the 'Wow' factor from the first pour.
It ticks all the classic boxes expected of a top-class, complex, pristine cool climate Chardonnay.
Stone fruit, white nectarine, a skein of fresh lime acidity, some nutty characters, all morph and twirl across the palate.
The lingering fruit-driven finish is satisfingly lush and long.
It is already well-balanced and integrated but would also reward some bottle sleep.
As the saying goes..Do yourselves a favour by enjoying this delightful, classy Chardonnay now but also set some aside for further gratification.
Gilbert Labour