A Tale of Two Aussie Chardonnays

A Tale of Two Aussie Chardonnays

 

Quite a discovery: at my local independent supermarket, I can now suddenly buy a vegetarian “fish” made by Gardein in Canada. Battered and all. Crisp and golden it is a satisfying replica, if lacking much fishiness or flakiness of texture (I never liked the taste of fish anyway – nan fed me too much cod liver oil!).

To match on this warm summers eve, I created a warm broccoli salad, with toasted Willunga almond slivers, tahini miso dressing, fermented black garlic, a handful of flat parsley, and the last Tobalong tomatoes.


On our tasting bench (coffee table) tonight, are two fine examples of Australian “new world”, “new style” chardonnay, from two different corners of our vast country. 

 

A Tale of Two Aussie Chardonnays Oakridge Forest Hill

Oakridge and Forest Hill Chardonnay. Photo: Willunga Wino

 

Forest Hill Great Southern West Australian Chardonnay 2009

 

Well Looky Here

Deep, golden yellow.

Sniff Sniff

Rich, cooked apricot sweetness. Barest hints of the kero you find in aged riesling.

Sip Sip

Mouth coating but still with juicy fresh acid that carries a long finish of quality oak. Orange marmalade on toast.

Nom Nom

Drink with fish and greens.

Gimmie Gimmie

€ at cellar door.

Rating

Low silver – super slurpable.

 

A Tale of Two Aussie Chardonnays Oakridge Forest Hill

Forest Hill Margaret River Chardonnay 2009. Photo: Willunga Wino

 

Oakridge Yarra Valley Victoria 2008

 

Well Looky Here

Similar, slightly less golden, yellow.

Sniff Sniff

Ripe papaya and cream. 

Sip Sip

Still fresh, zingy and lively but the mouthfeel is also quite broad but there is a long acid finish that has a touch of the marmalade.

Nom Nom

Drink with fish and greens with a creamy dressing.

Gimmie Gimmie

€7 at cellar door.

Rating

High bronze – very drinkable.

 

 

A Tale of Two Aussie Chardonnays Oakridge Forest Hill

Oakridge Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2008. Photo: Willunga Wino

 

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Pinnable Image:

A Tale of Two Aussie Chardonnays Oakridge Forest Hill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments make my day – so tell me – Which of these chardonnay’s most tickles your fancy? Have your say below!

 

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