Chardonnay Musque mutations tend to be one people find in favour or not, across the board. Highly aromatic, they can almost run to Sauvignon Blanc - like profiles, depending on region and winemaker.
This example certainly hits the nose right off the bat: wet hay, stone fruit, unripe gooseberries and white floral notes. There's a touch of lemongrass and celeriac as well.
On the palate, bracing acidity almsot hides the tell-tale Chardonnay creamy mouthfeel; perhaps slightly unbalanced. Almonds, lemon juice, mineral. Medium-long finish, with the tart notes and minerality lingering.
Some may find this a slightly conflicted wine in terms of style. It's certainly unique, and I find tends to grow on you. Most definitely a food Chardonnay versus patio sipper. Paired beautifully with grilled lemon-herbed chicken - which really made the wine sing more.
Tasted July 2015.
Highly aromatic, typical of the Chardonnay Musque varietal, this pale wine has a perfumed nose of roses, blossoms and lychee. Apple, citrus and peach flavours, with traces of minerality, fill out the crisp palate.