Grosset Piccadilly Chardonnay 2008
Only 850 cases produced
At first glance the 2008 Grosset Piccadilly Chardonnay may appear a departure from the style established by Grosset since 1992 – as it has an initial generosity that is atypical and is more forward than these chardonnays usually are. Jeffrey Grosset isn’t at all surprised by this as he had an opportunity to judge at the 2009 Adelaide Hills Show and his impression of the 2008 Adelaide Hills chardonnays was that they looked smart and more generous than in most vintages.
Although the initial response to the 2008 Grosset Piccadilly Chardonnay may be of the wine’s generosity of flavour, the overall impact is still one of restraint. There are gentle melony perfumes, a whisp of cedar; pure grapefruit, melon, white peach flavours; and tight structure, before lively slatey, minerally acidity to finish. It’s low in alcohol, delicate, subtle and fine, and shows excellent integration of fruit and oak. The acidity is there to enable it to age well but it is not intrusive, even at this stage. As a generous and ready to drink wine, those of you with the 2007 in your cellar may well choose to drink the 2008 first. The 2007 is improving steadily but still shows more restraint than the 2008.
Reviews
James Halliday ‘Australian Wine Companion’ 2011 Edition
Pale yellow-green; the fragrant bouquet of white peach, citrus and subtle oak tells you what is to come on the long, elegant palate with its fusion of white peach, grapefruit and fine oak… 96 points
Nick Bulleid & The Panel ‘Gourmet Traveller Wine’ August/September 2010
Starts with an intriguing nose, showing honeydew melon, wildflowers and a hint of herbaceousness. It also has beautifully handled oak. The palate is full and round, yet has a tight structure and fresh acidity to finish… The wine’s ready, but it will develop further. 92 points
