2005 Sticks Chardonnay

Yarra Valley, Australia

Sticks Chardonnay is an Aussie white wine gem made by Rob "Sticks" Dolan in the cool-climate Yarra Valley appellation of Victoria, east of Melbourne. The winery was founded in 1985 with the goal to produce wines that are fruit-driven, lightly oaked and food-friendly. Renowned Aussie wine expert James Halliday blessed the 2004 vintage with a stunning 94-point score. We like the 2005 vintage even better!

Sticks Chardonnay is light gold in color with hues of green. It is medium in body with crisp acidity, smooth texture and good length. The nose offers stone fruit, tropical fruits, citrus and vanilla, followed by rich flavors of tropical fruits, pears, peaches and oak. The wine was cold-fermented in stainless steel for optimal fruit expression, then transferred to new and seasoned American and French oak barriques to age on light lees for added richness and complexity. The finish is both refreshing and lingering.

Enjoy Sticks Chardonnay over the next 3-4 years as an aperitif wine and with poached salmon, grilled chicken, vegetarian pizza and mild cheeses.