2014 Mr Riggs “Cold Chalk” Chardonnay
STORE LOCATOR – BUY THIS WINE
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Why We Love It:
Just 300 cases – that’s how much of this stellar Chardonnay was coaxed from the Tomich vineyard site in Australia’s Adelaide Hills. Selected by winemaker Ben Riggs for it’s measurably cooler weather (a full 2.5°C cooler on average than McLaren Vale), this site is planted to a combination of carefully chosen French and American Chardonnay clones. Riggs points to the French clones as contributing elegant and softer stone fruit flavours and aromas within a richer and more decadent frame, vs the American clone which contributes a bright burst of citrus fruit along with fabulous acidity. The wine is then aged in seasoned (previously used) French oak barrels, which contribute further richness and body, without masking the grape’s natural aromatic qualities with overt toasty wood flavours imparted by brand new barrels. Pork, chicken, white fish and seafood are all naturals with this wine, but we think it’s particularly delicious with scallops topped with a bevy of fresh citrus and tropical fruit.
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Food Pairings:
Seared Scallops w/ Mango Salad – RECIPE
Spicy Cider Braised Chicken Tacos w/ Pomegranate & Apple Salad – RECIPE
Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder w/ Mustard & Sage – RECIPE
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Price:
BOTTLE: $20.95
CASE: $251.40
BUY THIS WINE
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Technical Specs:
ALCOHOL: 12.5%
BOTTLE: 750mL
Case Pack: 12 x 750mL
GRAPES: 100% Chardonnay
CLOSURE: Screwcap
CELLAR POTENTIAL: Drink now to 2020
SERVING TEMPERATURE: 11°C to 13°C
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Tasting Notes:
“Long and lively; packed with fruit concentration, citrus purity and white flowers. Green melon, smooth nutty oak, with hints of vanilla, build palate weight, nuances of spice, and other textural components. Good minerality and sour acidity pulses throughout the finish.”
94 / 100 Points
WineGenius.com
(2013 vintage)
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“From the Tomich Vineyard. Ben Riggs has crafted an elegant, supple and very well-balanced chardonnay; white peach, melon and nectarine fruit roll easily off the tongue, providing instant enjoyment.”
93 / 100 Points
James Halliday / James Halliday’s Wine Companion
(2013 vintage)
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“This wine was inspired by Ben Riggs and his love of ‘Old World’ Chardonnays, described as ‘drinking cold chalk soup’ (in other words, very dry, refreshing and unforgettable). This medium-bodied wine has gentle oaky notions of toast, smoke, coconut and vanilla. Fruit bursts forth on the palate in the form of supple peach, yellow plum and apple. Integrated acidity and buttery oak notes carry through on the long finish. Pair with crab legs, roast chicken or pork.”
LCBO Vintages Tasting Panel
(2014 vintage)
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