“Aged in 350 litre barrels, 100% new. 50% mlf. Only available direct through Curly Flat. Taut. Rich. Imposing. You could even call it a commanding wine. It has cellarability at the forefront of its mind, it’s screwed so tight, but the fruit is rich and impressive and the finish has the soar of a long-held note. This promises to mature magnificently.”
95+ points, Campbell Mattinson
The Wine Front
“Medium-yellow colour, bright and clear. The bouquet is restrained, but clean and attractive, with grapefruit, lemon and peach aromas, and lightly toasted cashew nuts. It’s a very clean, pure fruit style. The palate has intensity and length, and is superbly harmonious. Impressive line and length.”
95 points, Huon Hooke
The Real Review
“Made in bigger barrels. Deeper gold than the regular bottling. More austere reserved nose and definitely more burgundian. Builds on the finish. Broader than the regular.”
17.5 points, Jancis Robinson
jancisrobinson.com
A different expression of Curly Flat Chardonnay. Always made in 100% new oak but in 350 litre puncheons rather than the usual 228 litre barrique.
Bouquet
Complex and perfumed. An embodiment of richness and restraint. The fruit and oak marriage is seamless. Lemon and lime, white peach and apricot mix with toasty French oak spice.
Palate
Immediately powerful fruit and focused acidity surge across the palate before being assuaged by creamy oak. Contrasts continue as minerality pervades throughout the fleshiness, and fine texture provides a subtle but certain frame for both now and the future. As for the finish, it goes on and on.
Cellaring
A very complex wine and while layers are already on offer, the crescendo lays many years ahead, likely peaking somewhere in the vicinity of 10-15 years.
How is this drinking now?
Mid gold colour, pale and bright. Some oyster shell, white stone fruits, a hint of reductive complexity, smoky wood on the plush palate that’s both fresh tense and long. Lingering notes of white florals, some nectarine and crushed quartz characters drive a palate that tightens with bracing acidity. Drink 2020 – 2028.
Curly Flat © 2019 All Rights Reserved
Sign-up to our seasonal newsletter to stay informed about the newest releases, tastings and more…