Monday, 11 December 2017

Rowlee 2016 Chardonnay - Orange

THIS one began with a small vineyard intended
to simply keep its owner busy in semi-retirement.
ONE TO NOTE: WHEN Nik and Deonne Samodol bought 32 hectares (around 80 acres) of a once-sprawling 810ha (2000 acre) grazing property on the slopes of Mount Canobolas at Orange in NSW's Central West, they planted eight hectares of vineyards with the intention of keeping Nik busy hand-tending in his semi-retirement.

But with both site and climate being "just right" for a trio of grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo) and the backing of consultant viticulturist, Tim Esson, the Samodol's found the Rowlee Vineyard fruit they were selling was being made by others into multi-award winning wines.

And so Nik and Deonne and their daughter Nicole and Tim Esson and his family teamed-up in 2013 to create Rowlee Wines, and to make their own vinos with guidance and backing from "mentor  winemaker," PJ Charteris. Their 2016 Rowlee Chardonnay is a stunner, with a vineyard load of stone fruit and citrus flavours and a creamy texture that makes it a perfect match with a summer's chicken salad, or veal chops barbecued and topped with creamy mushrooms.

Order online at $40 through www.rowleewines.com.au


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