This review takes us back to the Eden Valley in Australia for Chardonnay. Yalumba is Australia’s oldest family owned winery and fits with our theme of “farmer’s juice” verses mass produced wines that you can find lining the shelves of the local grocery store. I’m a big chardonnay fan so I’m always ready to try the latest offering.
Layman’s Review: I definitely tasted a touch of lemon in this light varietal. Although this chardonnay wasn’t as dry or oaky as I typically prefer, it was still a very enjoyable counterpart. It paired very nicely with the halibut during dinner. The finish was clean and didn’t leave an aftertaste, which can be common with an oaky chardonnay. I would serve again.
Expert Review: Like Yalumba’s recent chardonnays, the 2008 Wild Ferment is tightly restrained in aroma, showing refined, lemon scented tones of grapefruit and yeast with a hint of vanilla. The forward palate is creamier and bolder than anticipated, offering riper chardonnay fruit flavours of white nectarine and melon with a mineral/herbal thread. It does finish a little loose, lacking the cut and polish of the cleanly driven 2007 wine. A bit of a disappointment considering the quality of some Eden Valley 2008 whites, and the brilliance of its precursor. If Yalumba’s lucky this young chardonnay will integrate further with a touch more bottle age, becoming fuller, softer and more harmonious. Drink to 2012.
Price: $16.99
Available at: Alpine Market, Uncorked and other fine wine stores.