Brokenwood Forest Edge Orange Chardonnay 2019

The Forest Edge chardonnay grapes were whole bunch pressed and underwent wild ferment in new French Oak.  Whole bunch pressing, wild ferments in new French oak have come together in spectacular fashion. 

An interesting nose of sweet corn, yellow peach, pink grapefruit, almond meal, flint, brine and red apple skin.  The palate has electrifying acidity that sits just behind the front teeth, the fruit is concentrated and long.  It undulates over the palate on a pristine path towards a clean finish.  There’s a custard powder sweetness that I can’t ignore (and don’t want to) on the back palate, tempered by grounding notes of white pepper, red currant, nutmeg and citrus pith.  The 35% new oak is evident, but the fruit has got requisite power and presence to rise and match it. This is practically begging for an extra year before we look at it again, such is the exuberance and buoyancy of the fruit flavours. 

Erin Larkin

Erin Larkin is an independent wine writer based in Perth, Western Australia. She is a contributor to The Wine Companion magazine, Gourmet Traveller Wine, The Post and previously weekly columnist for The Western Suburbs Weekly newspaper, writer for the Liquor Barons Group plus wine segment host for 6PR. Erin has judged at wine shows, and is a judge for the Australian Wine List of the Year Awards, and China Wine List of the Year Awards, both since 2014. On top of writing and judging, Erin regularly hosts wine events, consults on wine lists and helps wine collectors to manage their wine collections. FInd out more at www.erinlarkin.com.au