De Bortoli 2012 Vat 7 Chardonnay

There is some remarkable value to be found among Riverina producers nowadays and this chardonnay; a blend of fruit from Yenda, the King Valley and the Yarra Valley is a prime example. A thoroughly modern chardonnay that has spent 10 months in older oak, it is a nicely composed  fruit-driven style with both structure and some creamy texture (thanks to battonage in the winery) along with stone-fruit flavour and some impressively brisk acid on the finish. Early picked fruit and some clever winemaking make this a much better bet than its modest price tag would indicate. Check it out. $12

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