A top-notch effort, Stonier’s Reserve Chardonnay boasts layers of richly textured fruit and oak hung on a frame of citrusy acidity. Scents of baked apple and toasted nuts are balanced by lemon custard, while the toasted hazelnut and grilled peach flavors feel round in the mouth. Drink now–2010.
— J.C.
(8/1/2007)
This wine nicely captures Pinot Noir’s elusive silky texture and weight without heaviness, then combines those attributes with complex earthy flavors and touches of sassafras and cola. Finishes long, with hints of maraschino cherries and caramel. Drink now–2014.
— J.C.
(10/1/2008)
An intriguingly different rendition of Aussie Chardonnay, blending scents of buttered toast and sautéed mushrooms with crisp, citrusy notes. It’s full-bodied, but pleasantly zippy and fresh on the finish.
— J.C.
(6/1/2008)
An impressive effort from this winery located on the cool Mornington Peninsula near Melbourne, Stonier’s 2006 Pinot Noir features some slightly herbal and properly earthy notes alongside its cherry fruit and a touch of bacony oak. It’s medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, layered finish. Drink now–2012.
— J.C.
(10/1/2008)
This fine offering from Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula nails Pinot Noir’s elusive texture, gliding across the palate in a silky veil. Cherry-berry fruit is framed by hints of brown sugar, coffee and vanilla, but the oak should integrate with a few more months’ aging.
— J.C.
(12/31/2008)
Like Stonier’s Pinot Noirs, the Chardonnay is amply oaked, although the Chardonnay seems to be able to handle it better. Movie popcorn scents waft from the glass, but there’s also plenty of peach and tangerine fruit to support the oak. Long and citrusy on the finish, picking up hints of butter. This is good now, but may be slightly better next year.
— J.C.
(6/1/2007)
Full-bodied and richly textured, this Chardonnay is strongly marked by its stay in French oak. Combined with a little bit of bottle age, the result is a wine that lacks a bit of vibrance but compensates with buttery, mushroomy complexity. Drink up.
— J.C.
(7/1/2011)
Creamy in texture, but the flavors contain a plethora of mushroom and decay notes that overwhelm the modest cherry fruit. There’s a slightly aldehydic note, and the wine finishes short.
— J.C.
(5/1/2007)