2009 Squitchy Lane Chardonnay

So 2009 was a tough year in Yarra Valley due to the impacts of some of the worst bush fires in Australia's history. This wine was tasted after going through both of the excellent 2010 and 2011 Chardonnay's, with the winemaker tempering my expectations of the 2009 based on the year.

When I opened the bottle I was pleasantly surprised and though not quite as good as the 2010 and 2011 it provided a wine of great interest that showcased a citrus, stone fruit and steely acid interplay.

A lightly golden yellow in colour, the nose gives some muted nectarine, lemon blossom and citrus characters.

On the palate the wine benefits from a core of natural acidity, and a lean citrus frame from which richer stone fruit characters give richness.

The finish has some fuller brioche elements and good length, with another thing I like about this wine is its 11% alcohol which is almost unheard of for Australian Chardonnay