95 Points - Lisa Cardelli
Curly Flat's Macedon Ranges winery is one of the coldest vineyard sites in Australia, so it's little wonder they chose to focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir when they established Curly Flat in the early 1990's. The 2024 vintage wines from Curly Flat show balanced acidity, refined structure and a depth of complexity for longevity.
The 2024 Curly Flat Chardonnay opens with delicate aromas of white flowers, lemon sorbet and green apple, complemented by warming cedar and spice from barrel ageing (all French oak, naturally). Citrus pith, white peach and hints of yeast lees sit comfortably alongside the crystalline minerality. Judicious use of malolactic fermentation adds creamy richness to the mouthfeel. A tight, linear acid line and palate richness will see the 2024 Curly Flat Chardonnay age well into the future; easily 5-8 years, and likely longer.
"95 Points. Ah, that good old Burgundy-like feel on the first sniff - hard to overlook, especially for those who love that reductive style, like I do. Notes of struck match, Meyer lemon, custard apple, margarine, and crunchy Golden Delicious apples come through clearly. Everything is effortlessly integrated over a textural, multi-layered palate, lifted by a stream of acidity. Nothing really screams for attention; rather, it’s the harmony that makes it so compelling. It’s a wine that would pair beautifully with anything featuring protein and a butter-based sauce. I dream of pan-roasted lobster à la française, but let’s be honest, I’m lucky if I can still afford a whole organic chicken from the market! A true gastronomic wine - one that engages your taste buds with purpose."- Lisa Cardelli, Wine Pilot.
"94 Points. A good season has produced Chardonnay of high class from the Macedon Ranges in Victoria. Savoury, crunchy characters on the nose with orange zest, grapefruit, and a touch of honeycomb. The palate is deeply complex, with a pervading savouriness that complements the concentrated fruit. Elegant, bright, and pure, with layers of complexity that make it compelling and interesting. Lovely dry, chalky, slightly savoury finish. Smacks of classy Chardonnay. Drink: 2025 - 2031"- Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot.
