Windy Peak Chardonnay 2011

Many people go on about the amount of Sauvignon Blanc that is being drunk in Australia but what they don't say is that Chardonnay still ranks as the number one variety based on consumption.  What has happened with the winemaking practises for Chardonnay is that the use of oak has been pulled back and picking dates have been moved back which is great to see as the wines now show much better.  Debortoli's Windy Peak and Gulf Station brands were one of the front runners in the change of styles.

Windy Peak Chardonnay 2011

Everything is subtle in this wine but I think that is much better, especially if you want to pair this with a variety of foods. There still is a hint of oak sweetness but the flavours of grapefruit, peach and candied melon dominate, while their is a gentle whisper of hazelnut blowing in the background.  The palate weight is definitely light but there is a textural element evident in this wine which is not normal for a wine of this price point. What scares me the most is that this wine is the entry level in the Debortoli range yet still offers brilliant value. The quality of the mid-tier and above wines is sublime.

Alcohol: 12.5%
Price: $9
Rated: 84
Drink: Now - 2015