Score: 91
The Brancott ‘O’ Omaka Vineyard Chardonnay wine is part of the Letter series range at the higher end of the Marlborough-based winery’s offering and described by the producer as a range of New Zealand wines that are “hand-crafted from grapes sourced from top-performing Marlborough vineyards“.
Tasting Notes:
Surprisingly, the wine is intensely floral and fragrant, but also rich and complex, all at the same time. Light and deeper aromas/flavors combine to form a rather complete experience. The ripeness and intensity typical of New Zealand Chard complemented with the depth given by traditional techniques of lees contact and barrel ageing.
The nose is all about flower aromas (acacia, wisteria) and fresh stone fruits (white peach). There’s also a hint of lemon and tropical notes. This already-wide spectrum of aromas sits on a background of lightly-toasted oak (coconut and white chocolate) and doughy character.
The sensation provided by the wine on the palate keeps the floral freshness but also provides depth and length from the oak ageing and lees contact. Dry, mid- to full- bodied kept alive with a solid and well-balanced acidity.
Well made, complex and characterful. A very enjoyable wine, both fresh and powerful.
Drink now and within 5 years to make the most of its freshness. It might develop into and interesting complexity after that, but it remains to be seen.
Food pairing: you know what?
This wine probably deserves to be tasted by itself, for the first glass at least, BEFORE the meal.
Then match with delicate entrées:
- lightly flavored sweet-fleshed sea food e.g. subtly prepared scallops or langoustines
- poultry e.g. chicken roulade with sweet & sour stuffing or roasted quail
or keep some of the wine for the end of the meal for light desserts that will also pair well, like apple crumble or crème brulée.
Main Awards for this wine:
- SILVER: International Wine & Spirits Competition 2014
- SILVER: Decanter Asia Wine Awards, 2014
- SILVER: Hong Kong International Wine Competition, 2014
Please let me know your thoughts