Comments on: Chardonnay reconsidered

By: Shane

Shane — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:37:25 +0000

Would have been nice to see Aussie offerings Like: Stonier Reserve; Cape Mentelle; Petaluma; Eileen Hardy included in the tasting.

By: Christian

Christian — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 08:00:09 +0000

Hi Chris, I asked Grant Dodd as the only Aussie on the panel if he detected an obvious style divide between the local judges and himself and he replied that he did not. The general feeling among the panle was that it was very difficult to discern the country of origin of any of the wines, and anyone attempting to award points on party lines, would have got more wrong than right. Of course, a different panel on a different day would’ve produced a different set of results. Even so, I think it’s safe to conclude that SA’s making some pretty smart Chardonnay at the momemt…

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:32:41 +0000

Sounds like an interesting tasting. Chardonnay is not the darling of the moment, and I think it often gets ‘forgotten’ about as it continues to impress.
One question – how much was a quality judgement versus a style judgement. South Africans have been accused of being inwardly focussed at times (although the experience of the panel in this case would indicate otherwise) and getting caught up in our own style.
Do you reckon a couple of Bruces would have judged similarly?