STEP RD CHARDONNAY - 2005

This Australian Chardonnay is from Adelaide Hills and has an alcohol content of 13%.

TASTING NOTES:

The color of light corn syrup with powerful oak and buttered popcorn aromas when first opened. Lemon-lime soft drink scents eventually emerge giving way to flavors of buttered oak, citrus zest, mineral and pear. Good structure and body with a caramel finish.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

89 PTS

This wine retails for around $12 making it a tremendous bargain. This is a high quality wine although there is a ton of oak upfront which overpowers some of the fruit and nuance. Early aromas and flavors reminded me of Ridge Montebello Chardonnay but the buttered popcorn aspect settled down, especially on day two, and this wine came alive with a lot more depth.