“Your dresses should be tight enough to show you’re a woman and loose enough to show you’re a lady,” said the late Edith Head, an American film costume designer and I think wine can be like this. Getting the balance between being alluring and confident, yet showing refinement and grace in any setting, requires skill and finesse. Edith Head clearly had both, having won multiple Academy Awards for her work. Levantine Hill winemaker Paul Bridgeman continues to show his meticulous attention to detail by consistently crafting award-winning wines.
I think the quote is perfectly tailored to this 2020 Katherine’s Paddock Chardonnay. A wine that reveals its character with confidence and subtle power while maintaining precision and sophistication without being overbearing, all of which seems to be the heart of its appeal.
Region: Yarra Valley, Vic Price: $125 Source: Sample thanks kindly to Levantine Hill
Strength and grace carry through from the first swirl of the glass to the final sip. The seductive, rich aromas of pear, lime, subtle oak and a little flint get things started beautifully. The palate has depth, generosity and elegance nicely wrapped around ripe pear, vanilla, a little spice, and ‘balancing’ acidity. The oak is there but plays the perfect supportive role, and a creamy, textural mouthfeel adds a lovely dimension to the wine. Yes, it has plenty of palate weight but it sits pretty, not heavy, as is evident on the long and mighty impressive finish.
Words from a Wine Glass 