A Chardonnay from a well-known producer in Beechworth, Victoria (Australia) – the recent vintage winning the first 100/100 score from The Wine Advocate for an Australian white table wine. This 2018 is, perhaps, regarded as the best one ever though. A lime-gold colour in the glass. Immediately powerful and intense on the nose, with a layer of smoky, flinty reductivity that peels away to reveal nectarine, ginger, grapefruit, cashew nut, hay and preserved lemons. Full-bodied with a layer of toasty oak that gives great weight to an already power-packed performance. Spices, savoury notes of fennel and green olive add to that plush fruit. The briney acidity drives it forward, sharp and piercing, coating the tastebuds. A minerality and a creamy texture also find time to develop along the ride, each playing a role in this blockbuster. Well worth seeking out. 96pts
Giaconda Estate Chardonnay 2018
