Recommended Product
Winemaker Geoffry Grosset.
100% Adelaide Hills Chardonnay.
Grosset Wines is an independently owned winery in the Clare Valley that produces six highly wines each vintage. Grosset was established in 1981 by Jeffrey Grosset in the township of Auburn, Clare Valley 100 kilometres north of Adelaide. The winery is stylish but functional and reflects the attention to detail that extends to the Grosset estate-owned vineyards and winemaking.
While various producers have built their reputation on Chardonnay, none has equalled the success Grosset has enjoyed. Given that the re-planting of vineyards in the Adelaide Hills has only occurred since the early 1980s, their full potential is only just emerging.
Jeffrey Grosset - Decanter World’s Top Ten White Wine Makers
Focussed, restlessly intelligent winemaker. By producing arguably Australia’s two best Rieslings – the flowery, lime-rich Watervale and the steely, firm Polish Hill – Grosset has not only helped steer the reversal in the this variety’s fortunes but has provided one of the country’s most powerful arguments in favour of the reality of terroir.
Decanter Magazine, July 2006
Grapes for this vintage of the Piccadilly Chardonnay were hand picked. The must was 100% barrel-fermented in French oak barriques and then allowed to mature in the barrels for nearly 12 months. It then remained in bottle for a further 12 months before release.
While this is very much in the style of the Grosset Piccadilly Chardonnays, the 2005 shows the benefit of an outstanding vintage in the Adelaide Hills. As recent vintages have shown, there is superb integration of fruit and gentle cedary oak, in this case, giving the wines a fragrant lift. The palate shows the restraint characteristic of the Piccadilly early in its life with pure white peach, nectarine and grapefruit flavours. There are also hints of cashew nuts and ripe melon, together with a minerally, savoury edge.
James Halliday
Australian Wine Companion (2008 Edition)
A glorious, though finely framed, bouquet; perfectly balanced and seamless palate with melon, nectarine and grapefruit plus a touch of cashew. Screwcap. 14% alcohol. Rating 95 - Drink to 2015.
Matthew Jukes Best 100 Australian Wines for 2007 (by Matthew Jukes UK).
2005 Grosset Piccadilly Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills, South Australia
With pretty brave levels of classy French oak, this is as wild a wine as Jeff dares to make one suspects. The result is a Premier Cru rivalling wine that is not afraid of intensity, structure and poise. This is a craftsman’s wine that nearly didn’t work. Like all great pieces of art, it is these characteristics that really catch the eye and impress.
Ralph Kyte-Powell
The Age, Melbourne - Epicure Wine Style (Autumn 2007)
Jeff Grosset is one of Australia's most thoughtful and skilled winemakers. His 2005 Adelaide Hills chardonnay opens with an eggy whiff that departs with breathing to reveal an elaborate but subtle nose of candied white peaches, nutty notes and background spicy oak. Finesse is the keyword for the palate - it shows spring-like clarity and a quiet intensity that charms you as it slips across your palate. It needs time to evolve. Ageing: Drink over four years. Food ideas: Cheesy pasta.
Jane Faulkner
The Age, Melbourne - Epicure Magazine (April 2007)
A fine, tight and elegant chardonnay with its lemon and grapefruit nose, some pith too, building on the palate with a touch of creamy delicate notes - nothing over-the-top though, nutty with the oak seamlessly integrated and wonderful length. Terrific wine.
Campbell Mattinson
The Wine Front (February 2007)
www.winefront.com.au
A very fine wine. Grosset chardonnay almost always impresses me and this one's a very fine example: beautifully balanced, pure, long and enchanting, nectarines and chalk and hazelnuts flowing easily through the mouth. It rings pure and true on the finish, a creme brulee-like aftertaste a delicious send-off. Full of finesse and restraint. Drink 2007-2010 (94 points)
Jane Faulkner
The Age, Melbourne - Epicure Magazine
(April 2007)
A fine, tight and elegant chardonnay with its lemon and grapefruit nose, some pith too, building on the palate with a touch of creamy delicate notes - nothing over-the-top though, nutty with the oak seamlessly integrated and wonderful length. Terrific wine.