2004 Howard Park Chardonnay Reviews

“California Chardonnay lovers are going to find this elegant wine to be a little bit on the understuffed side, and, in truth, it took its own sweet time to grow on us as well. But, in a flight of wines dominated by the most important names and most grand wines from Western Australia, this one just seemed to get better and better as it sat in front of us. Its steely, Chablisienne approach is not often seen in our own Chardonnays, but this one has that quality in spades and deserves to be well-regarded.”

91 Points
Charlie Olken, Connoisseurs? Guide to California Wine - 01-01-2007
Full Review

“A recent vertical tasting of the last four vintages of this cracker chardonnay revealed that for me, the best was the 2001. Why tell you this? Because the 2004 was definitely a close second and, when it gets those extra three years on it, might just be even better. Lovely richness of flavour here, with finesse. Stone fruit and peach notes. And unlike so many of other chardies, it will age very well for a few years if you can leave it alone.”

Stuart Gregor, Don't Buy Wine Without Me 2007 - 01-01-2007
Full Review

“An elegant but powerful wine. The nose shows fruit characters of grapefruit, lemon and citrus zest, as would be expected from a cool climate chardonnay. On the palate, similar citrus characters are seen but a lemon blossom flavour also is detected; this combines wonderfully with the savoury biscuit character from yeast contact and smoky nuttiness from the oak. The finish is reminiscent of cashews, with the tingling grapefruit acidity balancing the palate.”

, Winestate Magazine - 01-12-2006
Full Review

“The 2004 Chardonnay was not put through malolactic but 65% was raised in new barrels. The wine is currently tight, crisp and clean and should have more to offer in 1-2 years.”

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate - 01-12-2006
Full Review

“Very fragrant and pure citrus, apple, grapefruit and stone fruit aromas and flavours; great line and balance; fruit has easily swallowed the oak. Drink 2014.”

96 Points
James Halliday, 2007 Australian Wine Companion - 01-08-2006
Full Review

“Pale yellow. Fresh, mineral-driven citrus and pear aromas, with a subtle smoky note. Elegant and silky on the palate, the apple and pear flavors showing good ripeness and lifted by a suggestion of dusty minerals. A suave, refreshing chardonnay with ample brightness to complement lighter seafood dishes.”

89 Points
Josh Raynolds, Stephen Tanzer?s International Wine Cellar - 01-07-2006
Full Review

“Powerfully elegant, zesty grapefruit and wisps of cashew nut culminate in a monumental length ? this is outstanding chardy at an exceptional price.”

Tyson Stelzer, Style Wine - Brisbane - 01-06-2006
Full Review

“This is an elegant but powerful wine. The nose shows fruit characters of grapefruit, lemon and citrus zest as would be expected from a cool climate Chardonnay. On the palate similar citrus characters are seen but also a lemon blossom flavour is detected, this combines wonderfully with the savoury biscuit character from yeast contact and smoky nuttiness from the oak. The finish of the wine is reminiscent of cashews with the tingling grapefruit acidity balancing off the palate.”

, Australian Sommelier Magazine - 01-06-2006
Full Review

“One of the most stylish and elegant chardonnays yet. It?s the complete package with a fine delicacy that conceals a deep and lingering powerful palate. I like the way the oak has been expertly integrated and yet doesn?t dominate the palate. Has great potential.”

92 Points
Ray Jordan, Guide to West Australian Wine 2005-2006 - 01-01-2006
Full Review

“This is a restrained, refined, tautly structured, savoury style of chardonnay. It evidences plenty of toasty, cedary French oak, coupled with refined fruit and a touch of malolactic butterscotch and nougat. It?s still tight and tidy on the palate with some refinement, as well as impressive balance.”

, Scoop Magazine - 01-01-2006
Full Review