Robert Oatley Finisterre Chardonnay 2020

Stuart McCloskey "I whiled Thursday evening away with a sample bottle of 2020 Finisterre. It’s not always practical to spend hours with a relatively low-value wine however, I wonder how many wines fall under the tasters’ radar as we hastily move from one wine to another, and at pace… I opted for Zalto’s Bordeaux glass which aided the development of the bouquet, and what a beauty she is - soulful music in my glass. Classic Margaret River aromatics rush for no one - confit lemon, yuzu, ginger syrup, touches of crustacea, sea spray, barley, mineralité, white flowers (Jasmine). The bouquet is terroir driven to say the least. I am equally bowled over by the divine nature of the palate. The harmony is incredible – so expressive on the one hand whilst retaining a sense of restraint and dignity on the other. There’s precision, banks of intensity and yet, not one element dominates. She feels flawless, perfectly proportioned and without a single crack. This glides across your palate in waves of buttered citrus ecstasy, coupled by oceanic wonderment. The long lick of juiciness and crisp acidity continue to demonstrate the quality of the fruit and winemaking. I hate to use the term ‘intellectual’, but I cannot find a better way of projecting how good the wine / winemaking is. Unforced to say the least – the flavours seem to be released incrementally – akin to a chef showcasing a dish that has hidden layers of amazement and flavours. Flavours build with aeration along with a slight rise in temperature (fridge cold is too cold). This is the ultimate achievement at this price level. Clearly, a beauty today however, I would love to see this in 2030."