PETER LEHMANN BAROSSA CHARDONNAY - 2006

Australian Chardonnay made from a blend of fruit from vineyards in the lower Barossa Valley and higher, cooler Edna Valley. Half of the fruit was fermented in French oak and rest was fermented cold in stainless steel. 13% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Light straw gold color with peach and apple on the nose. Exceptionally smooth with hints of buttered oak and flinty minerality. Very clean and youthful.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

86 PTS

A very straightforward easy drinking Chardonnay for $11. Those who love huge buttered popcorn and oak Chards will be disappointed. If you are tired of that style, this is a nice departure. There's just enough oak to accent the wine, sort of like a counter-melody played under the main score. There's not much complexity here but it is very smooth and round which should make this a crowd-pleaser. It has weight so it doesn't come off as thin, but the fruit is a bit subdued.