This is where things get serious for Orange – Chardonnay is a style of excellence here. One of the region’s earliest plantings is the Balmoral vineyard at an elevation of 1050 metres, famed for the great Rosemount chardonnays of the 1990s. Mrs Payten is Tom’s grandmother, with this wine first released in 2012 to commemorate her 90th birthday.
Wild fermented with 20% new French oak. With the spectrum of Australian Chardonnay ranging from lean, acid driven and flinty to richer and more worked, this is truly a ‘why not both’ option; high altitude growing bringing a refreshing acid spine and lees stirring and the oak component giving richness. A true crowd pleaser.
“This is an ‘entry-level’ Chardonnay from Tom Ward. Good value for money.
It smells like Chardonnay and it’s a good thing. That is, it has all the textbook Chardonnay features and you’re happy. It’s just ripe, a touch reductive, sweet milk powder, melon, cinnamon apple and peppermint. Complete picture Chardonnay. The palate is lean, fresh and salty, crisp and slippery. Green apple and lime tart with a pinch of salt finish. This is hitting the spot. Instantly enjoyable.” 91 points, Kasia Sobiesek, Winefront
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