Dandelion Vineyards ‘Twilight of the Adelaide Hills’ Chardonnay 2020
A big thank you to Dandelion Vineyards for sending this sample my way! I was under no obligation to post about it and all opinions are based on my own taste buds. Wine is subjective & always evolving, so make sure you drink what you enjoy!
Hello New Release Chardonnay!
It’s good to know something good happened in March 2020 – it was when the grapes for this Dandelion Vineyards 2020 ‘Twilight of the Adelaide Hills’ Chardonnay were hand picked. After the grapes were pressed the free run juice started fermentation in stainless steel tanks and then finished the fermentation process in new and 1 year old French Oak. It was then bottled 9 months later.
What does oak do to a wine?
Because wood is permeable, it means a small amount of oxygen is imparted on the wine while it is ageing. This slow oxygenation of the wine softens harsh flavours like tannins and works to harmonise and balance the wine. Depending on the age of the oak, it will also impart some flavours and aromas into the wine. Think vanilla, butter, pastry, cream and baking spice.
The newer the oak, the more impact it’ll have on the wine. Also where the oak is from will impart different flavours such as if American or French oak is used.
Okay now back to the wine…
Wine Specs:
- Winemaker: Elena Brooks
- Vintage: 2020
- Region: Adelaide Hills, South Australia
- Alcohol: 12.5%
- Oak: New and 1 year old for 9 months
- Price: $27.50 via dandelionvineyards.com.au
What it tastes like:
I have to admit, I am a Chardonnay fiend, so this bottle was consumed at lighting pace. It’s a pale yellow shade in the glass with aromas of minerality, citrus, melon and a little bit of biscuits and marmalade. It’s clean and sleek but also deliciously enticing. In the mouth it’s very citrus-peel driven with fresh herbs and some Granny Smith apples. It’s juicy and incredibly refreshing.
Drink it when:
When you are looking for the perfect aperitif. Sideline the gin and tonic for the afternoon, and grab a bottle of this instead!
