Settler’s Rise Terroirs of the Granite Belt Aged Reserve Chardonnay 2010

From one of the more respected small wineries on Queensland’s Granite Belt, these aged wines were crafted by Peter Scudamore Smith MW. It is not often one gets the chance to pick up a wine of this age, especially a white, direct from the winery and at such a reasonable price. The fruit is 80% from Cottonvale and 20% from Ballandean. The style is a little old fashioned and it is a valid argument that perhaps releasing the wine a few years earlier might have been wise, but many will find it fascinating. A deep pineapple gold colour, this is ripe and rich, with nutty and honeyed notes. Cashews and caramel, opulence rather than elegance. Supple, mature and of mid length, this is certainly a drink now proposition.