Back to The Future

When I started this blog, I was discussing it with a good friend and admirable wine professional, Tim Robinson; we were on the road back from a trip to Heathcote and discussing the cathartic nature of pooring one's wine thoughts onto the 'page' and thought it might be a good idea for Tim to make a contribution.

I loved the idea and, having read many of Tim's reviews on points of sale, having had many a gourmand experience together and generally tending to see the world at large and in particular world of wine through similarly coloured (and probably blurry) glasses, I really looked forward to receiving just such an offering.

Here it is:
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Back to The Future

I've definitely been in the mood lately for nostalgia. Been flicking through old photos, the real ones, not the digital Facebook kind, as well playing a bit of Icehouse and 1927 on the iPod. Don't judge me, you know Ish was one of the albums of all time! All that thinking about how fantastic everything was 20 years ago, got me thinking about something old school on the wine side of things.

And the natural conclusion? Full-bodied, rich, buttery, creamy, viscous, malo, French oak matured, old fashioned chardonnay. It's been coming to the attention of many wine retailers that we're after a chardonnay with a bit of generosity. A bit of richness. A bit of warmth. If you're looking for a Chablis-style? Buy a Chablis! Want an unwooded Chardy? Grab a riesling!

The brief was given to my local indie wine haunt, and Warner Glen Estate chardonnay is what was thrust into my awaiting hands. Gotta admit to not knowing a hell of a lot -read nothing- about Warner Glen. Seems they're a 20 year old vineyard with a heavy focus on terroir, site selection and 100% estate fruit.

Their 08 chard gave me the nostalgic trip I was looking for. Michael J. Fox would've been proud. Marzipan, almonds, hazelnut & cream. Brief fulfilled. Bruce Dukes is the winemaker here, and with extensive experience in the Napa and with Pierro, it's no wonder this sings a little. The judges at the Mt Barker Wine Show didn't mind it either.

Available at some good indie retails around the country, grab yourself a WGE chardy for around $25.

blackhearts and sparrows
www.blackheartsandsparrows.com.au
Blackhearts and Sparrows wine purveyors