2012 Freycinet Vineyard Chardonnay

The Freycinet Vineyard on Tasmania's East Coast is nestled in an amphitheatre type of area with spectacular views towards the east.  Winemaker, Claudio Radenti, graduated from Roseworthy College in 1982 and honed his skills at Pipers Brook (Tasmania), Tyrrells and Cassegrain (both in NSW).  He also completed vintages in Bordeaux in the late 1980's.  All of their wines are grown, vinified and bottled on the estate with minimal winemaker intervention.  You have to admire somebody that has so much trust and faith in the vineyard site and fruit, and allows the wine to do the talking.
This is truly one of the best young Chardonnays I have tasted.  It has gone through 100% barrel fermentation (20% new) for 10 months and regular lees stirring.  The wine has lovely aromas of peaches and cream with a citrus addition that doesn't scream "look out here comes the acid".  The palate is similar but has the added complexity of subtle oak characteristics that balance it out perfectly and the length is incredible.  I wish I had some in the cellar to see what it is like in 10 years because I think it has that length of cellaring potential.  A brilliant wine to say the least.
www.freycinetvineyard.com.au
Until next time and remember to live simply, laugh often, wine alot.