Irony that the last time I reviewed a wine from Stockman’s Ridge (2016), I wrote this introduction: “It’s funny, Pinot Noir should probably be Orange’s flagship red grape….but there’s few top notch ones to come from the region. The potential is for Sparkling base to which Printhie and Philip Shaw are excelling.” And then the Stockman’s Ridge team have sent this sparkling. 98% Chardonnay and 2% Pinot Meunier. Méthode Traditionelle, aged for over 5 years on lees.

Stockman’s Ridge, Storm, Sparkling, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Orange, 2011

Still primary pale lemon in the glass with a persistent, fine bead. Chardonnay dominant nose: Lemon drops, butter, fennel, sweaty doughy notes over light tropical fruit salad. Palate is still tight and racy with a good push of citrus, hints of pineapple core and crisp apple.  Looking youthful and will develop and age well for many years.

RRP $40
Alc 11.2%
Rating: 17.5/20

Wine sample courtesy of Stockman’s Ridge