Recommendation: Simply, an exquisite Chardonnay.
Winery/Producer: Circe Wines; Red Hill, Australia.
Grape Variety: Chardonnay.
Geographic Region, Appellation: Mornington Peninsula; Victoria, Australia.
Vintage: 2011
Price: $59.90 (AUS$) about $46.00 (US$), plus $20 corking fee.
Purchased From: Australian Wine Centre; 1 Alfred Street; Sydney, Australia.
Paired With: Baby spinach salad with mushrooms, crumbled blue cheese, red onion and crispy bacon. Chicken breast in buttermilk batter with carrot batons, steamed bok choy and a sweet corn sauce.
Tasting:
He said: Chilled before drinking. Crystal clear with just a slight tint of lemon yellow. VERY LIVELY fresh apple and citrus aromas. Very smooth, slightly creamy mouth-feel and plentiful green fruit and nutty taste that had a nice crispness. Long, slightly toasty finish with a tiny hint of tartness at the end. WOW…an OUTSTANDING Chardonnay!!! It was delicious drinking alone before dinner and with the chicken it was a perfect pairing. Simply, an exquisite Chardonnay.
She said: Light yellow, clear, with gently flowing well spaced legs. This wine had a fresh grass-like scent and a touch of honey. The taste was subtle, slightly fruity and smooth. The body was medium and the finish long and had a touch of vanilla at the very end. As we sipped, the wine opened up to reveal a more mellow honey scent that perhaps was edging toward vanilla. It was delicious with the chicken which was mild flavored and needed a subtle wine. The salad had a strong garlic taste and would not go with any wine or beverage, which was my fault, not the chefs because I mixed up my own salad dressing. The pairing was delicious and the wine great but frustrating because I found it difficult to identify the scents and flavors. It’s a buy it again wine…DEFINITELY!!!
Comments: Purchased in a Sidney, Australia wine shop and consumed in the Britannia Restaurant on board the Cunard Queen Mary 2.
Alcohol: 13%
Bar code: NA
Imported by: NA