WINEMAKER’S TIP: DON’T DRINK THIS (WELL, NOT YET)

David Ellis

PETER Logan reckons you shouldn’t drink his 2011 Logan Chardonnay from Orange in NSW’s cold-climate central-west.

Rather he suggests you stock-up the cellar and watch your investment develop wonderfully over five, ten, even 15 years or more. “In two years this 2011 will open nicely to reveal savoury spicy and nutty aromas vying for attention with the primary fruit,” he says. “In 10 years you’ll find a wonderfully textured wine with a complex mix of spices, nuts, dried fruits and citrus peel and a long finish…” And after that – well, it’ll simply develop even more-so until at least 2027 or beyond.

And he should know: Logan Wines’ made their first Chardonnay back in 1997 and are now one of the longest-running Chardonnay makers in the Orange region, with Peter himself somewhat of an authority on what to expect from cellaring cold-climate examples of this varietal.

If you can’t resist the temptation to put a bottle or three, or even a case or three away at the price, open it now and take-in the pear, orange rind and cashew aromas, lovely white peach and grapefruit flavours, and its wonderfully long mineral finish, and enjoy with creamy seafood dishes. Terrific value at $25.
 

ONE FOR LUNCH: WESTERN Australia’s Amberley Estate sources fruit from across that State for its popular Merlots as demand ever-increases for this varietal, and one worth having a look at is their excitingly vibrant 2011.

Winemaker Lance Parkin has brought out the best of the fruit, this wine having plenty of typically Merlot rich ripe plum and juicy raspberry flavours supported by firm tannins. It’s a wine to match-up with venison or game dishes, or to enjoy with a good sirloin or scotch fillet off the barbie; pay $18.99.

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