Wunderkind Franco D’Anna of Hoddles Creek at the winemaking reins. 10 months in French oak.  Price has dropped $7 since the 2011 vintage.

Toolangi, Pauls Lane Chardonnay, Yarra Valley, 2013

image is 2011. Label hasn’t changed.

Unmistakably Chardonnay. Ripe yellow stone fruit flesh and skins, just melted butter on toast, macadamia nuts and some orange citrus. Broad palate, but certainly not corpulent. Spicy oak with vanilla hints, Meyer lemon, light grapefruit citrus and (if you didn’t know the label) unexpected acidity which closes the curtains on the first act of the fruit show. Firmly camped in the big style, but that mature winemaking ensures it stays the course. Very good.

RRP: $38

Alc: 13.8%

Wine sample courtesy of Toolangi