Penfolds Reserve Bin 00A Chardonnay 2000
Somehow I managed to score a case of this via Langton’s and Anders Josephson. And for the condition/quality, a sub-30 dollar purchase was, with hindsight, not such a bad thing at all (as long as the rest are as good as this one).
Surprisingly, still garnishes a deep pale green/bright lemon colour suggesting a wine of great depth. The bouquet abounds with a startling mix of lime, green melon, struck match, oatmeal, grilled cashew, bacon fat, minerals, coddled cream and smoke, almost invoking a sense of the “new” world meeting the “old”. The palate carries good weight, retains a relatively tight profile although I was particularly impressed with the intensity and density of the grapefruit and melon flavour, ably supported by subservient mealy/smoky bacon French oak, offering the hope of holding for quite a few years to come. There’s sufficient minerally acidity and grip to provide further nourishment and although the finish lacks a little charm, it certainly does linger for a considerable duration. I’d rate this just in between Excellent/Outstanding and award the very healthy score of 90 points. The wine needs to be drunk now and over the next several years if provenance has been as good as this bottle suggests.
13.5% A/V. Sourced from Adelaide Hills and Tumbarumba fruit. Cork sealed.
Domaine William Fevre Chablis Grand Cru Valmur 2005
Bought quite a few of these on the strength of stellar performances from the same label from 2000 and 2002.
Bright straw green. Tender, somewhat unevolved but entirely classy and engaging bouquet of white flowers, oyster shell, ozone, sea salt, juicy green melons and a hint of wheatmeal. The palate tight, linear and focused with unexpectedly ripe minerally, chalky acidity, perfectly counterbalancing a wealth of melon/citrussy fruit. Persistent, authoritative but dry, crisp finish, crying out for more down time in the cellar. Drink 2012 - 2020. 13.0% A/V. Cork sealed. 92 points.