Montalto is situated in Red Hill South in the Mornington Peninsula and its vineyards are low cropped, hand harvested and don’t see any irrigation. The latter is perhaps not so significant in the context that Red Hill South receives considerable rainfall – the highest on the Mornington Peninsula – averaging up to 1100mm per year, whereas for example Moorooduc – not particularly far away – typically receives somewhere between 800mm and 900mm per year. Nonetheless, viticulture practiced by hand with low intervention, while not a necessary condition of good wine, is often a pretty good sign that the vineyard is trying.
And, coupled with some deft wine making, that is my view as to what is going on here: an excellent wine has been produced.
A bright and pale intensity lemon in colour, the 2010 estate chardonnay has somewhat muted aromatics of quince, earth, salt, lemon citrus, subtle oak and stones emanating from the glass. It is the palate though which shines brightest – dry, medium acid, medium(+) body, and mouthfilling, textured, layered and nuanced flavours of lemon citrus, pear and cedar.
This is a near outstanding wine due to its lingering length, caressing texture on the palate and general complexity. Bravo. Very Good
Abv: 13.5%
Price: $39
Source: sample
Vendors: http://www.montalto.com.au
Website: http://www.montalto.com.au
Tasted: September 2012
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