Te
Mata ‘Elston’ Chardonnay 2008 (19.0-/20) at 13.5%
alc, was made from Mendoza
fruit totally barrel-fermented and aged in new and seasoned oak for 9 months
with 100% MLF. Light golden straw in
colour, this showed a full, intense nose of smoky, spicy, oak tinged nectarine
and grapefruit-like fruit with mealy, nutty aromas. Full-bodied, yet with class and style, this
had superb concentration of rich, stonefruit and mealy flavours on a palate of
fine textures and excellent acidity for balance. This evolved in glass revealing layers of
flavour. Will develop over the next 5+
years. RC March 10