Cook’s Lot Iconique Barrique Chardonnay 2019

From the Orange region in New South Wales, the aim here is surely to produce a Chardonnay of complexity. Barrel fermentation, whole bunch pressing, extended lees contact and twenty-four months maturation in new toasted French oak puncheons – if that doesn’t provide some complexity to the wine then perhaps it’s time to give up. Fortunately, it is a wine exhibiting a great deal of complexity. Deep straw in colour, one just has to love the aromas here. Cashews, melon, pineapple, lemon curd and mango. There is very good length, excellent oak integration, attractive balance and yes, enough complexity to satisfy the harshest critic. When to drink it? It does seem as though it might be at peak at the moment, though it should hold that for some years to come. Lots to love here.