When I found out this wine was named after one of the owners of Clemens Hill, Aurelia D’Ettorre (the other owner is Rob Ware and, lets face it, ‘Rob Chardonnay’ just doesn’t have the same ring to it), it still wasn’t enough for me when it came to the name.  I had to know more about the name ‘Aurelia’.  When the curiosity button is pushed, I do what most people do.  I turn to Google.

Okay so, there is an Aurelia Fashion House (yawn) and a Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter (applause) by that name.  However the meaning, or should I say explanation that caught my attention was, “Aurelia is a feminine given name from the Latin family name Aurelius, which was derived from aureus meaning “golden”. The name began from minor early saints but was given as a name due to its meaning, and not from where it originated“.  How about that!

This Chardonnay may not be “golden” in colour just yet but has more like a lovely pale gold hue.  It is aromatic if you give it a chance and of course some air (actually, don’t be afraid to decant this.  I might give that a go next time).  I got citrusy characters on the nose but the main one, and not necessarily dominant one, was a sort of steely note.  I was almost going to say minerally and others may see that but it doesn’t quite fit this wine for me.

It’s superb on the palate.  Beautifully weighted, fresh and delicate yet it has abundant rich flavours with those citrus characters showing through.  Any oak used has integrated nicely yet there is still enough acid present, even after five years, to tell me this still has time on its side.  One last thing, don’t chill it too hard…please!

clemenshill.com.au

Region: Coal Valley, Tasmania     Price: $55     Source: Cellar Door Purchase