DArenberg The Lucky Lizard Chardonnay 750ml

Initially this wine appears quite tight in the glass. This is a result of sensitive and protective winemaking aimed at producing a Chardonnay of great longevity. As the wine breathes and warms up all of that tension releases and we are left with a Chardonnay of great fruit expression and generous mouthfeel. Delivering a bouquet of stonefruit, Granny Smith and green pineapple accompanied by an almost saline like quality. The palate as mentioned starts tightly wound but slowly releases exposing layers of sweet and savoury fruits that emerge to support the well etched acidity. We start to see the sunshine in the glass, lemon curd, peach, white flowers, lightly roasted nuts and spice. Oak influence is minimal, perhaps a lick of vanilla and a whiff of brioche, but more evident through the added texture that ageing in fine old French oak brings. The entire palate is enhanced by a grapefruit like mix of acid and tannin that draws the wine out to a long, lingering finish.