De Bortoli ‘Villages’ Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2014
Grape Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Growing Region: Yarra Valley, Australia
Chief Winemaker: Steve Webber
4-Stars ★★★★
I first reviewed this wine in November 2016 - but recently was asked for an aged Chardonnay with character, so it was time to see how well this wine had aged. The idea behind the ‘Villages’ label for Steve and the team is to be able to craft a wine with character and showcasing the different villages within the greater Yarra wine region. The particular Chardonnay parcels selected are sourced from around 6 unique sites within the Yarra Valley.
Steve has an incredible understanding of the key elements in winemaking. He knows intuitively what his vineyards can produce, how each varietal will respond, and how to express the best of both in a wine which will connect on some many occasions. Chardonnay adapts better than most varietals to its surrounds. But crafting a Chardonnay of quality is not easy, and this wine has a vibrantly engaging personality.
Once Steve decided each of the vineyard sites were ready for harvesting, the grapes were hand-picked. On arrival at the winery the fruit was whole bunch pressed and then allowed to settle overnight. The cloudy juice with all its suspended components was then racked to French oak casks. Where the wine underwent a natural and full malolactic fermentation. The wine was allowed to rest on lees, until it was stirred in late autumn and again gently in winter and then it was left to rest again until the finishing stages, blending and bottling.
As you pour this wine into your glass you will be greeted by a golden colour and warm hue. On the nose the aromas have developed nicely inviting you in with melon, hazelnut from its time in oak and a lifted background of citrus fruits and summer floral notes.
The palate has developed a textural appeal that will engage all your senses, those rounded and generous apple, melon and peach flavours are now infused with touches of brioche and deft vanilla oak. Though the natural fruit acidity has retained elegance and balance and a refreshing finish to this rewarding, easy drinking style of Chardonnay.
This 2014 De Bortoli ‘Villages’ Yarra Valley Chardonnay has 12.5% Alc./vol. Chill gently and served in a generously shaped glass at 8-10°C.
A vibrant Yarra Valley Chardonnay, that has a developed character.
CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this coming season; and will age nicely for another 18-20 months.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with bbq’d, grilled or roasted chicken, turkey and pork-cutlets, along with roasted vegetarian dishes and aged creamy cheeses - enjoy.
