Heggies Vineyard Chardonnay 2008

Eden Valley, Australia

$28-31

Chardonnay is the world’s most well known and widely planted white wine grape. In recent times, its popularity and mass-production spawned the ABC (“Anything But Chardonnay”) Backlash. The heyday of the giant, flabby uber-oaked Californian examples is – thankfully – over.  But oak isn’t bad for chardonnay – in fact, it can be magic (hello white Burgundy).  Successful new world oaked chards strive for stylish subtlety and balance– and if you want to taste what I mean, forget the ABC’s and pick up a bottle of Heggies.

There are seven different selections of Chardonnay clones at Heggies, with three favoured French variants comprising the majority of this wine.  New and used French oak is tempered by vibrant tropical fruit.  Richly textured and full bodied, with bright citrus, creamy pear, toasted almond spice and a lovely vein of minerality.  A big vanillan finish can overwhelm a lot of foods, so pair weight with weight – think butter.

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