Origines New England Chardonnay 2022

A beautifully composed chardonnay from a very cool site at Topper’s Mountain in the NSW New England region. The tyranny of distance has made the development of the region slow, but if you are any doubt, you need to taste this. Jan Taborsky of Origines wines told me that the vineyard had never experienced 40 degree day. The site is east facing, surrounded by forest and the rows planted east/west. The soils are red, iron rich and shallow, overlaid with schist. They vineyard is sloped, the soils deep and receives over 1000mm of rainfall annually. Cover crops and compost to build the soils and I have no doubt that as the vines age, the fruit from this site will become some of the most sought after in Australian. Dreamboat. A wine of seemingly effortless composition, grace and harmony, all the elements interwoven in a seamless flow. Complex aromatics of pawpaw, green mango, rock melon, custard, pastry, citrus blossom and nectarine. Richly flavoured and medium bodied, the intensity matched by the lovely silken flow. Sleek, some flinty reduction, nougat, orange zest, wood spice and ginger. The wine gathers flesh and weight the longer it’s open and the finish is long and tapering. Very long ageing potential. Waters Wine Co

Mid-weighted and immensely refined, this is altitudinal gear, grown on a basaltic vineyard at 960 meters. Crunch, transparency and drive, with a green olive brine to oyster shell saltiness, mingling effortlessly with gentle cinnamon oak spice at the long finale. Still reticent, I’d be holding this back for five to eight years before breaching a bottle. This is as good as any top gear from Burgundy that I’ve tasted recently. To be hyper critical, a little more mid-palate pliancy and weight would be welcome. Bravo. Best after 2027. 95 points – Ned Goodwin MW, jamessuckling.com 

The 2022 vintage in New England, Australia was marked by a cool and prolonged growing season  which contributed to a significant proportion of small berries. As a result, the flavors and phenolic ripeness were intensified.  The resulting wines showcase an exceptional balance of complexity and finesse, featuring concentration, intricacy, and well-integrated acidity.  This vintage offers wines that are not only enjoyable to consume in youth, but also demonstrate capacity for long-term aging. Producer’s Notes