2012 Tinhorn Creek Chardonnay

This is a spot-on ten year old Chardonnay with bright acidity remaining and a surprisingly nice sense of precision. The 2012 vintage delivered a dream summer for the winemaker and this shows ten years later. While it stands at 13.6% alcohol, the oak and alcohol have integrated beautifully over the last decade and it feels light, pleasant, bright and refreshing. Nose of dry herbs, pear and citrus, with a touch of vanilla in the background. The palate offers softness with aromas of lemon zest, Mediterranean herbs, and gooseberry. What stands out to me in that wine is the very long, sweet finish with light spice. There’s probably another three years of discovery in this wine if you choose to continue cellaring it. (CWC, Jan 18/22).