While Shiraz rightfully takes the spotlight at Craiglee; their Chardonnay is consistently one of the benchmark examples of the Macedon Ranges region. Winemaker Pat Carmody modestly says: 'I don't think there's any secret to my Chardonnay. They're relatively simply made wines. I pick 'em a bit riper than is fashionable. I don't let them go through malo, I don't lees stir much and they spend about 10 months in oak, around 20 per cent new.
Famous for its elegance and purity of flavours, this 2023 Craiglee Chardonnay is a beautiful exercise in balance and cool-climate fruit purity. Bright pale lemon in colour, the nose offers lovely lifted aromas of nectarine and white peach with spices and cashew. The palate is typically full-flavoured with pure grapefruit and white peach and nectarine notes. Quality French oak influence is evidence which sits in perfect balance with the fruit. Another top line Chardonnay from Craiglee that promises plenty of drinking joy over the coming decade.
"94 Points. As usual, there’s plenty to enjoy with Craiglee chardonnay even if this is somewhat closed. It’s in a youthful stage and more time in bottle will ensure another layer of complexity. If you don’t want to wait, expect Meyer lemon, grapefruit pith and ginger spice. It feels almost pared back with seamless integrated oak and a soupçon of nutty lees. Savoury, textural and lively acidity throughout. 13.5% alc. Drink: 2025 - 2033. Screwcap."- Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion.
