Penfolds Thomas Hyland Chardonnay 2012

Here's another interesting little number that funnily enough has surprised me a little.

This opens up on the nose with some mealy notes, citrus and nectarine, distinctly Chablis esc in it's delivery. Palate mirrors that nose's angle, a little tight but delivers minerality and freshness driven by subtle stone fruit and citrus. Not a big powerful wine by any means but a very clean and modern style that delivers much more than I had expected.

In short a very subtle Chardonnay in a very modern style that most people would really enjoy over a seafood buffet for lunch.

Halliday served this up as a 92pt wine of which I don't disagree in it's pedigree, but I'd say ignoring the price point as a driver for the score I'd say 90pts would be appropriate, of course still labelling this as a very good wine.

Value for money as a separate discussion this is an absolute cracker! $16 bucks in the majors and generally sub $20 how can you go wrong really, it get's the wine another couple of points in my book and significantly helps toward the buying decision.

Summary, for me I won't be rushing out and buying this by the six pack but if I'm looking to top up my basket or find it on a list at a basic restaurant I wouldn't shy away. There are much better Chardy's out there just not for this price point and for this price point I can't say I've had a better Chardy. Happy drinking.

Lindeman's Early Harvest Crisp Chardonnay 2011

Now this is purely out of interest, it's a long way outside of my normal shopping list!

The nose has a bit of match strike, stewed apple and nashi pear, palate has a weird texture and a distinct lack of flavour which you might expect if the fruit is in fact early harvest. It's kind of round and flabby, pineapple stands out, with a touch of acidity that's a bit disjointed.

Simply it's a pretty basic wine but you'd expect it for a lighter alcohol lighter calorie option.

Critics don't rate this really, Ben Edwards via Wine Companion gave it a dismal 79pts and I'd rather not give it a rating as I don't rate it really.

Value for money, well it's like $15 out there but unless your searching for a low calorie option specifically I'd say even that's a waste of cash unfortunately.

In summary this isn't terrible or unpalatable but it definitely wouldn't be near my first choice at the bottle shop.

2011 Redbank Sunday Morning Pinot Gris

What an interesting wine. Brilliant clarity with a pale straw tinge. Lightly floral nose with pear and stone fruit undertones. Zippy little palate again with the pear an a distinct minerality that really carries this wine. Easy drinking is the biggest highlight and hardly a serious Pinot Gris that the tasting notes suggest.

Simply put you can definitely drink this lil baby it's smooth and easy going with nothing abrupt, nice fruit and minerality.

Critic wise this lays probably in the mid to high 80's and for me I'm there abouts too 8.5 is the best I can manage.

Summary... Drinkable yes, $22 umm probably can find better but don't shy away cause it is worth it.