Last year I proposed that the 2015 was a contender for the best value Chardonnay in the land. Let’s see how the 2016 fares….

Montalto, Pennon Hill Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula, 2016

Distinctly smells like Chardonnay. In the good way. There’s ripe stonefruit without it being too fruity, there’s some lemon/lime citrus without it being austere and there’s hints of oak without it being like a forest.  Strikes a good balance between creamier malolactic fermentation and tight mineral lines. There’s richer jersey caramel and the right amount of spicy oak to complement quality fruit structures and a cracking finish. A solid release with everything in balance.

RRP: $28
Alc: 13.3%
Rating: 17/20

Wine sample courtesy of Montalto