2011 Kevin John Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
Three blocks off Cullen vineyard selected in the winery. Whole-bunch basket pressed. Low solids. 2/3 through malo. 1/3 new oak. Normally all goes through malo, which usually starts before the alcoholic fermentation has quite finished. Lovely creamy mealy aroma, rich and full bodied with just a touch of toastiness and great lime acidity at the core. Really concentrated. Delicious but still just a pup and so much more to come. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Lovely purity and reticence on the nose, then a tight knit, gloriously refreshing palate. Full of vim and waxiness. Fleshy and full – quite unlike the vogue Victorian Chardonnays. Nothing reductive about this! (RH)
Aged seven months in French oak of which 33% is new oak, and 33% of the blend undergoes malolactic fermentation, the 2011 Kevin John Chardonnay gives pronounced citrus, lemon and grapefruit notes with hints of crushed stones, ginger and almonds. Very youthful, crisp and tightly-knit on the medium-bodied palate it has a silken texture and very long, mineral-laced finish. It should drink best 2015 to 2022+. Imported by Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; info@oldbridgecellars.com
Pale gold. Fresh pear and melon on the nose, with ginger, honeysuckle and mineral notes adding lift. Juicy, penetrating and focused, offering zesty orchard and citrus fruit flavors and suggestions of sea salt and bitter quinine. Shows an intriguing blend of richness and vivacity and finishes with outstanding clarity and length. This wine improved a lot with aeration, which bodes well for its cellaring potential.