Monday, May 3, 2010

PENFOLDS THOMAS HYLAND COOL CLIMATE CHARDONNAY 2008

- South Australia
- $14-21
- Screwcap
- 13.0%alc

I've long believed Thomas Hyland Chardonnay to rate alongside Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet as the best wines in Penfolds' lower end, but even I was a bit surprised when the newly named (and complete with redesigned label) 2008 Thomas Hyland Cool Climate Chardonnay took out the Best White Under $20 trophy at the Royal Adelaide Wine Show last year.

Quite worked but certainly present with some smart fruit and a touch of class, its wide open nose reveals elements of creamy nougat with genuine cool climate, white nectarine and grapefruit aromas backed by a hint of spicy, toasty vanilla oak. Its generous palate presents richly flavoured nuances of creamy white fruit and nougat framed by a lively extract of zesty citric acids, and although it finishes pleasingly long with sweet, creamy toffee-like undertones, it does show a slight puckering astringency that denies it a truly elegant climax.

ü+ Generously flavoured, clean and ably refined; Penfolds' 2008 Thomas Hyland is a near perfect quaffing chardonnay that's well deserving of its Royal Adelaide trophy. At its often discounted price a box of these would make a great 'house' white at home. Drink to 2013.
90 points


4 comments:

  1. Pennies are right on song with their Chardys aren't they! Great to see (says one man who loves good chardy).

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  2. Picked up one of these with the recent Penfolds/Vintec fridge promotion.
    Looking forward to having a go at it.
    Thanks for the review.
    TC

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  3. Andrew,

    Pennies! I do hope someday when you write an all encompassing guide to Australian wine you put a glossary of 21st century Australian wine terms somewhere in the back ;) I've certainly learnt some beauties from you!

    Probably the best thing about the 2008 Thomas Hyland from my point of view is that we've finally discovered a cheap chards that Beck loves - phew!

    Cheers,
    Chris P

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  4. Tim,

    Thanks mate. I certainly didn't mind the drop but I'd love to see a little write up on Wine Wank to get your unique point of view ;) I've been really enjoying your reviews lately by the way Tim, especially your recent piece on the Rosemount Shiraz. In fact, the only thing I didn't like about that review was that it reminded me of some of the wines I've had on airplanes. Lousy airplane wines... ;)

    Cheers,
    Chris P

    ReplyDelete