2023 Riversdale Estate Chardonnay

92 POINTS

Shanteh Wale - Winepilot

It’s obvious when Chardonnay lovers have crafted Chardonnay, the love affair shows in the magnifying of all its wonders. Case in point, peach melba, strawberry guava, lemon candies and gun flint. The breath of a candle just extinguished.  This is sexy in the obvious way, and I’m so into it! The palate isn’t too buxom with acidity curling and swirling the orchard fruit and whipping it into a frenzy, some nutmeg and toasty oak provides the structural base. It finishes with a mascarpone creaminess, some pink salt and savoury cumin notes too. Ask for Chardonnay and Riversdale will give it to you and it will be fixed in your memory forever. This is opulent and giving and don’t we all need a bit of that in our life.  This can only make a three cheese toastie the height of dining pleasure. Ooft! Drink now.

91 POINTS

Jeni Port - Winepilot

Shows some complexity, courtesy of warm, cedary and toasty oak, amongst the citrus, stone fruits and spice. It’s still a wine coming together with oak yet to fully integrate but give it time. It is essentially a linear line of flavour at this early stage, one that will fill out but the basis for a complex future is there. Nectarine, white peach, melon, lemon flavours are joined by roasted nuts, nougat and a smoky oak char on the palate. Crisp acidity is a hallmark.

91 POINTS

Dave Brookes - Halliday Wine Companion

A bright-eyed Coal River Valley chardonnay that shows expressive lemon and nectarine fruits along with hints of lemon curd, soft spice, stone, nougat, white flowers, vanillin and almond paste. Flavoursome, textural and sporting a minerally acid line and stony clarity on the finish. Great drinking.