Usher Tinkler Wines 2022 Reserve Chardonnay: A Modern Hunter Valley Classic

Usher Tinkler Wines 2022 Reserve Chardonnay

The Hunter Valley is renowned for producing some of Australia’s finest Chardonnays, and the Usher Tinkler Wines 2022 Reserve Chardonnay is a shining example of this tradition. Crafted from fruit grown in the historic ‘Fence Block,’ planted by the Tinkler family in 1981, this Chardonnay represents a seamless blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and modern winemaking techniques.

The Vineyard: A Legacy of Quality

The ‘Fence Block’ vineyard, where the grapes for this Chardonnay were sourced, holds a special place in the Tinkler family’s history. Planted over four decades ago, these vines have been nurtured to produce fruit of exceptional quality. The age of the vines, combined with the unique terroir of the Hunter Valley, contributes to the wine’s depth, complexity, and character.

The 2022 vintage saw optimal growing conditions, allowing the grapes to achieve perfect ripeness. The careful selection of fruit from this vineyard is the foundation upon which the Usher Tinkler Reserve Chardonnay is built, ensuring that only the best makes it into the bottle.

Winemaking: A Balance of Tradition and Innovation

The winemaking process for the 2022 Reserve Chardonnay reflects a careful balance of tradition and innovation. The grapes were fermented in barrel, with a mix of wild and cultured yeasts. This combination allows for a more complex fermentation process, with the wild yeast adding layers of flavour and texture, while the cultured yeast ensures consistency and control.

After fermentation, the wine was left to mature for six months in a mix of new and used French oak barrels. This oak treatment imparts subtle hints of spice and vanilla, adding to the wine’s complexity without overpowering the fruit. The result is a Chardonnay that is both rich and nuanced, with a perfect balance of fruit, oak, and acidity.

Tasting Notes: Elegance and Complexity

The Usher Tinkler 2022 Reserve Chardonnay is a wine that impresses with its elegance and complexity. On the nose, it presents inviting aromas of ripe melon and lemon, complemented by a subtle hint of French oak. These aromas are a prelude to a palate that is both vibrant and refined.

On the palate, the wine reveals flavours of juicy melon, zesty lemon, and a touch of green apple, all balanced by the wine’s crisp acidity. The oak influence is delicate, adding layers of vanilla and spice that enhance the fruit without overshadowing it. The wine has a creamy texture, with a long, satisfying finish that leaves a lasting impression of citrus and subtle oak.

This Chardonnay is drinking beautifully now, offering immediate pleasure with its vibrant fruit and balanced structure. However, it also has the potential to evolve with time, developing further complexity and richness over the next six years or more.

Food Pairing: Versatile and Elegant

The 2022 Reserve Chardonnay is a versatile wine that pairs well with a wide range of dishes. Its bright acidity and citrus-driven profile make it an excellent companion for seafood, particularly grilled fish, scallops, or prawns. The wine’s subtle oak and creamy texture also make it a great match for richer dishes, such as roast chicken, pork, or creamy pasta.

For a more refined pairing, consider serving this Chardonnay with a dish that features buttery or nutty elements, such as a lobster bisque or a butternut squash risotto. The wine’s richness and acidity will complement the creaminess of these dishes, creating a harmonious balance on the palate.

Aging Potential: A Wine to Treasure

While the Usher Tinkler 2022 Reserve Chardonnay is already a delight to drink, it is also a wine that will reward patience. With proper cellaring, this Chardonnay will continue to evolve, developing more complex aromas and flavours over the next six years or more. As it ages, the fruit will soften, and the oak will integrate further, revealing additional layers of complexity and depth.

For those who appreciate the art of fine wine, this Chardonnay is a wine to enjoy now and to treasure for years to come.

A Modern Hunter Valley Classic

The Usher Tinkler Wines 2022 Reserve Chardonnay is a testament to the Hunter Valley’s ability to produce world-class Chardonnays. It is a wine that combines the best of tradition and innovation, offering a unique expression of the region’s terroir and the Tinkler family’s dedication to quality.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of Hunter Valley Chardonnay or new to this iconic varietal, the 2022 Reserve Chardonnay is a wine that informs, educates, and entertains the palate. Its balance of fruit, oak, and acidity makes it a perfect choice for any occasion, and its aging potential ensures that it will continue to provide enjoyment for years to come.