Rowlee was established in 2000 by Deonne and Nik Samodol. The vineyard sits 950 metres above sea level on the northern slopes of Orange’s Mount Canobolas, 3 hours west of Sydney. The winemaking and viticulture is overseen by their daughter Nicole and her partner James. The wine has been a standout release, picking up Trophy for Best Wine, Best White Wine and Best Young Chardonnay at the Orange Wine Show 2017 and a Gold Medal, Young Chardonnay Class at the NSW Wine Awards.

Rowlee, Single Vineyard, Chardonnay, Orange, 2016

Whole bunch pressed. 100% French oak fermentation with wild yeast. Matured in oak for eight months with fortnightly lees stirring. Opens with elegant citrus aromas, light savoury SAO biscuity cracker, smoky lees and hints of richer peach stonefruit. The palate is thoroughly mod-oz with a stony minerally core around which is wrapped the ripe stonefruit. Harmonious in the nudges of the winemaking with the nutty, creamy influences and the inherent quality of the fruit impelled by regional acidity, this is a powerful wine with plenty of depth and length of flavour.

RRP: $40
Alc: 13.5%
Rating: 18/20

Wine sample courtesy of Rowlee Wines and Define Wine