2019 The Paring Chardonnay

95 POINTS

Decanter

Lindsay McCall is one of the original pioneers of the Mornington Peninsula, establishing Paringa Estate on a former orchard in 1985. The winery’s output gradually grew in volume and reputation while he maintained his day job as a geography teacher, before he eventually went full-time in 1996. On volcanic soil in the cool-climate Red Hill sub-region, this Chardonnay was whole-bunch pressed to French oak barriques (a mixture of new, second-use and third-use) for fermentation and 11 months’ ageing, with monthly stirring. Alex Hunt MW: Evolving in an interesting direction: lime cordial and toast, like a Semillon. Palate structure is broad but still bright. Could be a little divisive, like an old-school aged Burgundy. Exciting and intriguing. Roger Jones: Toasty, aromatic nose with a gentle perfume. Layers of texture and flavour. Pretty seamless, with a bright, clean saline finish. Beautiful. Beth Pearce MW: Citrus, hazelnut and herbal edges with a hint of reduction. Generous, juicy. Baking spice notes well integrated. A sense that it will keep improving. Judges: Alex Hunt MW, Roger Jones, Beth Pearce MW

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The 2019 Chardonnay from The Paring is an attractive, easygoing wine to drink now and over the next few years. Citrus, floral and light tropical accents give this airy, light-bodied Chardonnay a good bit of complexity.