2008 Tarrawarra Estate Reserve Chardonnay

The 2008 Reserve Chardonnay from Tarrawarra is a superb example of Yarra Valley Chardonnay that has developed effortlessly over the last 5 years. I was previously impressed by the 2006 release, with the 2008 a step up again.

The wine is a slightly developed yellow in colour; the nose shows complexity, concentration and interest that is almost unparalleled with appealing gun flint, sour edged nectarine, wood smoke and white peach all vying for attention.

The palate gives layer upon layer of interest against a spicy and mineral core, It is the interplay between fruit and oak that impresses me most about this wine, both are attractive in their own right, and together strike a balance between varietal expression and winemaker influence.

This release is drinking wonderfully now, but will reward a few more years in the cellar.