Chardonnay 2006

The 2006 growing season was the coolest on record. Accordingly, the wines from this vintage exhibit great fragrance and aromatic qualities together with high natural acidity. While this vintage of Chardonnay has less typical ‘weight’ and mouthfeel of Margaret River Chardonnay, it’s more than compensated by finesse and intensity of flavour.

The production of the Lenton Brae Chardonnay varied only slightly but significantly from previous years. The purchase of a temperature and humidity controller in the barrel cellar allowed the maturing Chardonnay to be topped less frequently as the evaporation was considerably less, resulting in lower alcohol creep and greater freshness and vitality.

This is potentially the most age-worthy Chardonnay released by Lenton Brae. It does not represent a significant departure from previous releases, but it is a continuation towards a more refined, elegant and balanced wine aimed at providing drinking pleasure over a number of years.

Since the 1992 release, Lenton Brae’s Chardonnay has won four trophies, seven gold and seven silver medals in regional and national wine shows around Australia.

Price: $45.00

Review

Ray Jordan, The West Australian June 3 2008.

"... chardonnays from Margaret River show the depth and quality of this region. The Lenton Brae in particular is an outstanding wine. The power is evident from the first sniff of the mix of  grapefruit and minerals backed with a little creaminess. The palate is balanced and very long with the intensely flavoured fruit sustained with a piercing fresh acidity. Will continue to develop in the bottle with its best years ahead of it."