1996 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay

This is a wine that has blown me away. I'll start by what could have gone against it, it's 18 years of age, there was plenty of new oak and malolactic characters, 14% alcohol and it's sealed under cork.

None of the above mattered, the resultant wine showed beguiling complexity and richness yet gave a layered and textured experience with focus and precision.

The wine is a true golden yellow in colour, the nose shows rich peach and nougat which extends to the palate where textured stone fruits are complemented by toffee, the finish balances acid, fruit and oak with excellent length.

A great bottle.