With the warmer season upon us in Australia, the focus moves away from the heavy big bodied Reds towards the more easily palatable Whites. The Broker Chardonnay from Forest Hill Vineyards is one such example. Produced in possibly the coolest climate of all Western Australia, the Great Southern Region, Forest Hill was established in 1964 with the original plantings of Cabernet and Riesling grapes. Additional vineyards were added in the 70s and 80s which included the Chardonnay grape. With over 50 years in the region they certainly have enough runs on the board and know how into cool climate winemaking.
The 2017 Chardonnay certainly ticked the boxes in terms of classic look and smell. It was a pale gold and exhibited great smelling fruit characteristics with enough oak to say, yep, I’m light but serious! On the palate it was heavy on the peach/melon and had a quite nice, slightly nutty flavour thrown in. I’d pair it with Chicken dishes and even KFC if you want change from $30 including the bottle. With a Welly’s Wine Score of 77/100, you won’t be disappointed in this lovely well rounded wine.
