Robert Oatley Margaret River The Pennant Chardonnay 2019

*Available for delivery from Friday 27th September*

Stuart McCloskey “I am so privileged to sample lots of Australian Chardonnay. Qualitatively speaking, there are many producers vying for the top positions which have been held by the likes of Leeuwin, Cullen, Giaconda, Penfolds (specially, Yattarna). Equally, if you want to compete with the best, you need to charge a lot more, which many are doing, with varying degrees of success. One-hundred dollars seems the barometer for a producer of Chardonnay who feels they have something special to offer. The Pennant is no different in this regard…
Albeit still in its infancy, the 2019 stands the test of time and truly speaks of quality and its place. The bouquet is developing into a beautiful swan. So unforced, lucid and shows Margaret River Chardonnay in the best light. Layers of citrus build (from zest, to oil, to confit, through to curd) along with a whisper of springtime jasmine, fresh ginger, warm toast, almond, ripe pear, fennel and slate. The wine breathes salinity and admirably shows off its oceanic birthplace. Complexity comes easy which is a difficult accomplishment. The palate provides a further degree of skill –Flavour is not sacrificed for finesse and grace. Here, you are served all three, and skillfully, may I add. Lemon and a good lick of sea spray drives the wine forward. The mid-palate is broadening as is the creaminess. This is packed with so much detail and interest. The finish is spicy, high-toned and goes on for minutes. This does not miss a single step in terms of quality and engagement. Impossible to fault. I highly recommend Zalto’s Burgundy stemware. Do not overchill and decanting for 20-minutes will only benefit the drinker. In terms of cellaring? It’s still sitting on the youthful side, but glorious, nonetheless. That said, I would love to see this on its fifteenth birthday…” Tasted 18 September 2024
 

97+ - 98 Points – Stuart McCloskey “There are some wines which look so sexy in a glass – the gloss and clarity is remarkable (perfect viscosity too). Wonderfully classical – the bouquet and palate flow to the same tune of yellow stone fruits, salty lemon, yuzu, there’s a distinct lemon sherbet-like feel, spring flowers, minerals and a creamy chalkiness. Medium-bodied and showing serious pedigree. Tightly wrapped, racy, balanced to perfection and almost perfect which is daft to declare for such a young wine. This screams Margaret River, and is a faultless example of a varietal Chardonnay. This is, in short, a truly spectacular wine and joins the list of epic ‘new’ releases from Australia. Drinking now to 2030+. Please keep a few bottles for ten years as this (I believe) will be its highpoint. Do not overchill and I advise to decant and serve using Zalto’s Bordeaux glassware.” Tasted August 2021

*All six-pack orders will also receive the smart, original wooden case*