DAN'S THIS WEEK'S WINE REVIEW

This week we are looking at a new twist on an old favourite – CHARDONNAY.

I have always loved a Chardonnay that has had some oak exposure to add richness and complexity to it. Not the old 1980-1990s style that tasted like you were sucking a piece of 4’x2’ timber, but those where the oak enhances the wine rather than taking over or swamping the fruit flavours.

JACOB’S CREEK launched its first Chardonnay with the 1990 vintage. It was what is now called, Classic Range. From memory it was crisp, almost un-oaked, with just a smidge of oak character and very easy to drink.

Since then JACOB’S CREEK have gone through several iterations including the JACOB’S CREEK RESERVE from the Adelaide Hills. Now they have a new one – the first release of its JACOB’S CREEK DOUBLE BARRREL 2017 CHARDONNAY. This is the first white wine in the “DOUBLE BARRREL” range, in which the wines are produced the same way as normal, however, they are then “finished” in old whisky barrels (either Scotch or Irish) to add complexity and character to the wine. www.jacobscreek.com

2017 JACOB’S CREEK DOUBLE BARRREL BAROSSA CHARDONNAY: Has a complex, toasty, oaky nose. It is a bit bigger bodied than their other Chardonnay, with a firm, tight texture and plenty of flavours.

At this stage, it asks for rich, creamy style food to accompany it, but with patience it will evolve into a softer, superbly tasty, ubber smooth Chardy – OH YUM!!