Print this Wine         1998 Frankland Estate Chardonnay   FRANKLAND, GREAT SOUTHERN                 January Release   Chardonnay       This is the quiet achiever of the Frankland Estate range. Never seeming to get as much attention as the reds, or even the Riesling, it has consistently been a fine elegant wine with just the right balance of fruit and complexity. Again with this years vintage the team of Judi Cullam and Barrie Smith have produced a wine that is a fine balance between delicacy and power, fruit and complexity. The color is basically medium gold with great clarity and the hint of clearness around the edge of the glass. This indicates some of the barrel maturation that has given the wine a depth of flavor that takes it above a standard wine. The fruit is immediately apparent on the bouquet. The flavors are varied and numerous. There are peaches, mango, pineapple, apricots and even melon. All ripe and sweet but not stewed or hot in any way. There is abundant oak in support of this fruit. The oak is vanilla with a dusty trait. With all the fruit dominance on the aroma it is a different story on the palate. There is brioche, biscuits and cashew nuts. The texture is buttery and the finish coats the tongue with soft lingering acid. This wine is deceptively complex. Initially the strong up-front presence of the fruit gives the impression of a more simple style but this wine has many layers. Already the wine is starting to drink well as a very young drop. I think it should be enjoyed whilst it retains some of the freshness of fruit, although it will age gracefully and drink well as a mature and mellow wine. Whether you serve fish or lighter meats such as veal or pork make sure the dressing or sauce has a little fruit character to match the fruity nature of the wine. Chicken is also a fine option. Generally this is a versatile Chardonnay because it has fruit and complexity, whilst the majority of examples of the variety tend to have one of these characters dominating.

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