Cloudburst Chardonnay 2011 ($160): Completely unaware of the hefty price tag when I tasted the Cloudburst Chardonnay, I was immediately taken back by its distinctively rich and alluring aromas. Expressive, complex and elegant honeydew melon, pears and Granny Smith apples were highlighted by wet stone and fall spices. Solid acidity resembled a palate-pleasing zesty lime, and the finish was incredibly long. It’s extremely well balanced, smooth and silky in the mouth – quite a treat for the senses.
Cloudburst is located in Australia’s southwest corner, in the Margaret River region. Considered to be a biodiversity paradise, there’s a thriving diversity of plants and animals in an area of untouched ecosystems – many of the animals live and visit the Cloudburst farm – a farm that connects to the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. To enable delivery of the varietals purest expression and to allow nature to works its miracles naturally, the vineyards are farmed Biodynamically and are not irrigated. Much like in many of the Oregon wines I’m so familiar with, terroir is apparent in the wine, and the disciplined and regimented rules of farming Biodynamically most certainly has its benefits.