Vintage 2023 has just started in the Hunter Valley,  arguably the first anywhere in the world for the calendar year. Scarborough Wines are family owned and sentimental favourite in the Hunter. They’ve a particular focus on Chardonnay from a couple of very special sites. And those sites are well looked after with award winning vine whisperer Liz Riley very much part of the family.

This is a museum release of their mainstay, the Yellow Label Chardonnay. Note the bottle label reads 2020, but the museum release shares the same livery.

Scarborough Wine Co., Yellow Label, Chardonnay, Hunter Valley, 2017

Light to medium yellow with a green highlight. Tea tree blossom, nougat, roasted macadamias, light vanilla crème, grapefruit zest, a lick of brine and a squeeze of lime. Developing palate of a fuller style. Stone fruit and nougat depth leading to rich oak influences with grip and phenolics closing the dry, straight as a die finish. Plenty of juicy acidity will drive this for several more vintages yet.

RRP: $28 (current release)
Alc: 13%
Rating: 18/20 (92/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Scarborough Wine Co.