Chardonnay is a tricky variety to get right. The combination of vineyard, picking dates, fermentation type and vessel needs to be done right to produce a monumental wine but it is pretty easy to produce a good wine. Hillcrest have older vines that used to go into some of the best wines in the region. David and Tanya bought the vineyard from the Sweets and now produce wine in a hands off sort of fashion. The wines are all unfined and naturally filtered. The 2011 wines are full of vibrancy and acidity which makes them easy to like with plenty of chance to cellar them for a while.
Hillcrest Vineyard Premium Chardonnay 2011
A brave move to only produce a village and premium version from this variety but the quality is there. On the first 2 days the wine maker influences, such as the barrel fermentation character, is prominent but by day 3 flavours of grapefruit, pineapple jelly crystals, lemon rind and peach fuzz comes through. The acidity is intense on the back palate but it is in keeping with the whole feel of the journey. Great example of a high quality 2011 wine.
Alcohol: 12.6%
Price: $60
Rated: 93
Drink: 2015 -2024
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