Tyrrell's Belford Chardonnay 2009

The story goes that in the 80's Murray Tyrrell persuaded the vineyard owner to pull out some Shiraz in the Belford vineyard, a variety that didn't fair so well in the sandy soils in a wet year. The trade-off was some plantings of Chardonnay from the renowned HVD vineyard. 

So, 420 dozen made, sees no malolactic fermentation and a fair bit of new oak, mainly barriques. Opens with a hint of cashew, toasty and biscuity oak is fairly prominent too. 

Fairly loose and open palate structure, toasty oak supports here and a bit of lively acid still shows. Oak presence is not obtrusive, and there's a balance between the oak, acid and fruit. Finishes toasty with melon and stonefruit, fairly classy - good quality components - nicely straddles a line between the Chardonnay of our past and the modern Australian way. 91 - Very Good

Tasted on: Saturday 18th May, a Leaf Day
Source: Gift
Price: $34 RRP
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.tyrrells.com.au/

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