Has anyone tried this yet? Is it worthy of the 98 points and high praise from Harvey Steinman?

Merris,

Here is a link TN I hope.

I have had it on 4 occasions, and enjoyed it immensely each time.

I've had the '95, '97 and '99 in recent years and rated them all at 95+. '01 is supposed to be a better vintage than the 3 mentioned.

I've tried this one twice now. I'd rate it better than the 1999, but worse than the 1997. It is still an excellent value ($60) even at my score of 95 points. If you tend to like a lighter style of chardonnay, then this could very well be your favorite Leeuwin ever.

Had it several nights ago with Bouillabaisse and seared scallops hosting an out of town cousin. Unfortunately a head cold blunted the palate. Our guest enjoyed it though.

Will report back. Got 11 bottles left.

Head cold is terrible. Not only you can't drink wine while taking some medications; when you do drink, they all taste simple, bland and metallic.

I ended up getting a case of this and have had 3-4 bottles of it already and each has been outstanding! Might be my favorite chard yet...not that I have a lot of experience as I typically drink reds. I got tired of the buttery, overoaked rich style of a lot of Cal Chards. This is much more delicate and refined with lemon, hazelnuts, very light toast, a mineral note and crisp acidity. I also have found it to really shine at a slightly warmer temp. We end up sitting it out of the ice on the table when we take a bottle to a restaurant and like it better after it has warmed a bit.

I don't have anything to say about the wine, but just wanted to say it's nice to see you posting again, merris.

Its bloody good booze IMO.

See my note on this wine in my May 22 post "dinner with the HDWs, PEs, and Wine Cats."

A great Chardonnay.

Opened this on Saturday for some of the gang. As Merris say, this is a very "refined" chard. Limited use of oak allows the slightly tart fruit to drive this loaded wine. It's not bold and brash; rather, elegant and pure with a nutiness that is sublime. Add to that, a LONG finish, and you're near perfection.

I'm actually at a loss for words on this. Harvey gave this 98pts, Parker 91 (as I recall). I must say that this is, indeed, one of the best Aussie chards I've ever had. Thank goodness I have one more! HI=96

I'm still sitting on most of my case....

This is the best chard I have ever had...

This was my first taste of this wine, and knowing the lofty score I was very eager. As is often the case, a wine like this is so hyped, it often fails to meet expectations. It is certainly an outstanding wine, but just not 98 for my palate.

My note: good; butter, toast & almond notes; 93

Thank you Haggis for sharing this wine with us.

AllRed:

There's nothing wrong with a 93 score.

To be fair, you need to serve this wine with one that you consider your favorite, have both with food, and see what happens.

THAT is what sets this chard apart from the pack.

We had plenty of food that night
But, HDW, why would you not try ALL (or most) of your wines that way?

We took a bottle of this to Noble's in High Point, NC this weekend and it is just getting better to my tastes. It is such an elegant Chard that is so impressive in its refinement more than its power. My overall impression is the same with toast and hazelnut with the lemon notes receding a bit. I continue to be amazed at the length of the finish for such a subtle wine. Also had '97 CSJ Cinq Cepages and an '03 Argentinian Cab that our companions brought.

This was served at the Boston Off-Line in August. I thought it was a stunning wine and rated it 95 pts.