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Pinot Noir Célèbre Petrie Chardonnay Pinot Gris
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Craighall Chardonnay
The Craighall Chardonnay can be enjoyed any time up to about 2 or 3 years after vintage; longer in really cool cellars, and more recent wines no doubt a little longer under screwcap. Craighall is characterised by its concentration and a seamless quality, with very good integration of fruit/oak/winemaking influence. It is rich and weighty, with a mealy complexity - Helen sometimes relates it to a Meursault-style Chardonnay, as opposed to the flintier Chablis styles. The low-yielding Mendoza clone is the basis of Craighall. This clone has a typically 'hen and chicken' fruit set which means very small, sweet berries are interpsersed with normal size ones. Flavour is more intense as a result.
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| 05 |
2007 - 2010 (currently tasting in wine shop)
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| 04 |
now to 2008 |
| 03 |
now to 2007 |
| 02 |
now to 2007 (tasted Aug 06)
Complex nose showing hints of wet wool, jelly crystals and wet stone. With swirling opens up to white peach, nectarine with a smokey note. Very elegant palate, long and fine with almond paste and butterscotch characters. Good weight and persistence. Drinking well now, and next year or so. |
| 01 |
now (tasted Aug 05)
pear, quince, stonefruit on nose, ripe
nutty characters, moreish fruit sweetness
oak well integrated, not too overt
5-star DECANTER rating |
| 00 |
now - 2007 (tasted Aug 06)
more vinous than 01, chopped hay, pear-drop, wet wool, honeyed, mealy complexity.
colour holding well, though beginning to show some age.
smooth, luscious with vivid thread of acid, full and rich,
vanilla oak and lees influence showing on finish. |
| 99 |
now (tasted Aug 05)
seductive aromatics - perfumed, honeysuckle and hints of apricot/fruit salad
mealy lees characters, creamy and full, malty oak on finish
integrated and complex; still quite tight structure |
| 98 |
now /past (tasted Aug 05)
buttery, malty at first, fresh brioche, fruit fading now
mealy, almond, nutty, full and fat, dried figs, caramelly |
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