2007 Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa "Single Vineyard" Chardonnay Eden Valley South Australia

91 points Wine Spectator: "This sneaks up on you. A pretty, open-textured wine at first, but the pear, melon and spice flavors just keep sailing on, getting deeper and longer. It has elegance and restraint, but won't shortchange on flavor. Drink now through 2012." (11/08 We've been carrying the wines from Thorn Clarke since 2002, and they have consistently produced a portfolio that has over-delivered for the price. The fact that they own the four vineyard sources, two in the Barossa Valley and two in the cooler sub-region of Eden Valley, allows them control the viticulture and to choose from the different sites appropriate to the varietal. Winemaker Derek Fitzgerald, has worked in both the warm and cooler regions in Australia, which makes him a perfect choice to work with the nuances from the various vineyards. The 2007 vintage provided a mild and long ripening season that gave the white wines a vibrant, fruit-driven flavor profile, coupled with great acidity. The fruit for this wine was sourced from the Mount Crawford vineyard. After a cool ferment, the wine was racked and filtered with a small amount of French oak used to add a spice note. The bouquet is lifted with aromas of peach, nectarine, white flowers, a hint of butterscotch and notes of cinnamon and clove. On the palate, there are rich, bright flavors with a creamy texture that is supported by juicy, lively acidity that leads to a long refreshing finish. (Jim Chanteloup, K&L Australian wine buyer)