2005 Howard Park Chardonnay Reviews

“From Great Southern fruit, this wine is made using free run juice only, partially wild fermented in barrel, and partially with neutral yeast. Only French oak is used, about 40% new. It has a deep but vibrant pale gold colour. There's a lovely oak quality on the nose, with masses of toast and delicate spice married to a burnt orange fruit and hazelnut. On the palate this has a shimmering, bright, zinging lemony core of fruit. That orangey quality persists, but the oak is pushed into the background, just adding a creamy, spicy finesse.”

91 Points
Tom Cannavan, www.wine-pages.com - 01-08-2008
Full Review

“Measured, fine and elegant, with delicate citrusy and tropical fruits tightly knit with nutty vanilla oak and creamy, leesy complexity. Lightly spicy, it?s smooth and silky, with a fluffy palate of stone-fruit, pear and apple leading towards a savoury finish of citrusy acids. Handsomely oaked, but carefully so.”

94 Points
Jeremy Oliver, 2008 Wine Annual - 01-11-2007
Full Review

“Focused ripe tropical fruit nose: clean, fruity with nice toastiness, some herbs and the fruit to the fore. The palate is complex and rich with spicy toastiness, some herbal notes and high acidity keeping things fresh (no malolactic here). Complex and long ? a sophisticated style.”

91 Points
Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak - 01-11-2007
Full Review

“As with all things Howard Park attention to detail is everything.Aromas of white nectarine, grapefruit, a hint of matchstick with fine clove and spice oak in support. On the palate medium bodied with flavours of nectarine, citrus and spicy cashew nut oak. It feels airy and light with crisp penetrating minerally acidity and a fine slightly chalky texture. Long grapefruit and spice finish. A very pure and direct style which is just the way I like them. Drink 2009 ? 2016.”

94 Points
Gary Walsh, Winorama - 01-10-2007
Full Review

“Spotlessly clean; as ever, a very pure, beautifully and meticulously crafted wine, using high-quality grapes to start with; grapefruit and nectarine flavours are as fresh and lively as is possible, having absorbed 12 months in French oak, and been subjected to virtually no mlf. Drink to 2020.”

95 Points
James Halliday, Wine Companion 2008 - 30-07-2007
Full Review

“This magnificent interpretation of West Australian Chardonnay will turn some heads. Fine, tight and controlled, with grapefruit, stone fruit and citrus influences. Crystalline, mineral driven clarity of flavour. Length that only the great wines possess. Quite stunning.”

96 Points
Grant Dodd, www.thewiningpro.com - 10-07-2007
Full Review

“Funky wild yeast aromas with a nice citrus bite. Palate shows rich fruit and subtle oak nicely supported by some nice lively acid.”

, Winestate - 01-03-2007
Full Review

“This is magic drinking and mandatory for all lovers of Chardonnay. Pure citrine yellow, it exudes a beautiful nose. Full of classic aromas. This is complex, powerful, alluring and classy. Seamlessly oaked with mineral hints, white peach and honey melon, almonds and figs and a touch of lees character. Well rounded, luscious and creamy in mouthfeel ? balanced and superbly integrated.Drink now ? 2015.”

95 Points
Paul Ippolito, Paul Ippolito Talks Wine - 07-02-2007
Full Review

“Typical of young Howard Park chardonnay, which is 85% Great Southern fruit (more restrained than Margaret River), this is tight and elegant, refined and understated, and needs time to show its best. Fruit driven.”

93 Points
, Gourmet Traveller Wine 10th Birthday Issue - 01-02-2007
Full Review

“...peachy style, with sophisticated French oak adding nutmeg and ginger spice to the overall creaminess...”

93 Points
Philip White, The Independent Weekly - 01-02-2007
Full Review

“Focussed and intense, with lemon and nectarine and grapefruit flavours and (very) subtle, cedary, walnutty oak, it?s all coiled up on the finish, and will greatly benefit from another 18 months or more in the bottle. A sterling wine. Drink: 2008-2012.”

93 Points
Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front - 01-12-2006
Full Review

“Focussed and intense, with lemon and nectarine and grapefruit flavours and (very) subtle, cedary, walnutty oak, it’s all coiled up on the finish, and will greatly benefit from another 18 months or more in the bottle. A sterling wine. Drink: 2008-2012.”

93 Points
Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front - 01-12-2006
Full Review

“Complex mealy grainy mix on the nose with touches of grapefruit and crunchy apple. The palate is bracing and tight with a mineral thread running very long. There?s power and delicacy that comes together perfectly.”

93 Points
Ray Jordan, Ray Jordan?s Guide to Wine 2006/2007 - 01-11-2006
Full Review