Dalwood Estate Chardonnay 2023
Primary flavours
Apple
Peach
Roasted Cashew
Vanilla
Details
2023 was an absolutely epic year for Hunter Valley Chardonnay, and hot dog can you can really see it in this glorious Dalwood Estate wine. It has all sorts of complex layers - peachy, fleshy fruit, tangy acidity and generous vanilla bean oak. It's a Chardy flavour party, with a whole smorgasbord of flavour in a fresh but proudly old-school, fuller style.
Dalwood Estate is the oldest commercially operating vineyard in Australia. Its history dates back to 1828, when George Wyndham planted it using cuttings from the first grapevines in the country. Talk about history! So why isn't this Hunter Valley estate a household name? Blame corporate wineries, as it was owned by Penfolds for many years and then bought by Orlando Wines. Finally, wine-loving hotelier Sam Arnaout bought it back from 'big wine' in 2016 as he wanted to see Dalwood (finally) shine on its own. With such an epic history, it's not surprising that the Dalwood Estate vineyard feels special. Located well away from the rest of the Hunter Valley vineyards on the sandy banks of the Hunter River, the Shiraz, Semillon, and Chardonnay from here has this undeniable (and seriously delicious) next-level roundness and generosity.
Dalwood Estate is the oldest commercially operating vineyard in Australia. Its history dates back to 1828, when George Wyndham planted it using cuttings from the first grapevines in the country. Talk about history! So why isn't this Hunter Valley estate a household name? Blame corporate wineries, as it was owned by Penfolds for many years and then bought by Orlando Wines. Finally, wine-loving hotelier Sam Arnaout bought it back from 'big wine' in 2016 as he wanted to see Dalwood (finally) shine on its own. With such an epic history, it's not surprising that the Dalwood Estate vineyard feels special. Located well away from the rest of the Hunter Valley vineyards on the sandy banks of the Hunter River, the Shiraz, Semillon, and Chardonnay from here has this undeniable (and seriously delicious) next-level roundness and generosity.
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Taste Profile
This wine’s tasting notes.
Sweetness
lowmediumhigh
Body
lightmediumfull
Fruitiness
nonesomelots
Tannins
lowmediumhigh
Acidity
lowmediumhigh
Oak
nonesomelots
Alcohol
low
(under 12%)medium
(12-14%)high
(14%+)
Taste Summary
This wine’s tasting notes are leaning towards full bodied, low sweetness, with medium acidity, some fruitiness, low tannins, medium alcohol and some oak.
Specs
Region
Hunter Valley
country
Australia
Grape type
Chardonnay
Wine Maker
Dalwood Estate
Alcohol
13%
Vintage
2023
Cellar period
5-10 years
Production method
Vegan
Temperature
Cold 5°C-8°C
State
NSW
collection
Pairing guide
The harmonious palate profile of this stunning Chardonnay makes it a versatile companion for a variety of dishes. Its rich fruit notes and balanced acidity pair beautifully with seafood such as grilled prawns or seared scallops, enhancing the natural sweetness of the shellfish. The wine's creamy texture complements poultry dishes like roast chicken or turkey, especially when accompanied by buttery sauces. Additionally, the integrated oak nuances make it a delightful match for creamy pasta dishes, such as fettuccine Alfredo or mushroom risotto, where the wine's structure balances the richness of the meal. For cheese lovers, pairing this Chardonnay with soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert can elevate the tasting experience.
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Food
Lobster
Roast Turkey
Tastes
Creamy
Rich
Moods
Relaxed
Romantic
Seasons
Summer
Winter
Spring
Recipe Matches
Wine region
Hunter Valley, Australia
The Hunter Valley is located in New South Wales, Australia. It is situated approximately 150km northwest of Sydney and is known for producing world-class Semillon and formidable Chardonnay, Verdelho, Sauvignon Blanc, and Shiraz.
The region has a long history of winemaking, with the first vines planted in the 1830s. Today, the Hunter Valley is home to more than 150 wineries, ranging from small, family-owned operations to larger, internationally recognized producers such as Tyrell’s Wines, Mount Pleasant Wines and Brokenwood Wines.
Hunter Valley comprises the following sub-regions: Upper Hunter Valley, Broke Fordwich, and Pokolbin. The region's climate is warm and humid, relying on rain, humidity, cloud cover and sea breeze to mitigate the warmth. Soil types vary across the region. Generally, Semillon performs well on the sandy alluvial flats, whereas Shiraz prefers the red loamy soil types.
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