Patritti McLaren Vale Rare Old Chardonnay Fortified
Giovanni Patritti left his Italian home in 1925 and boarded a boat, which he thought was destined for America. Instead he landed in Port Adelaide, with no English. Just one year later he was leasing vineyards to make wine for the ‘new Australians’. Nearly 100 years later the family (3rd generation) still own, operate and make the wines.
98 POINTS, James Halliday Wine Companion.
"The ambient fermentation was muted at the very beginning with the addition of the spirit. Following 3 years in wooden vats, this fortified wine was then aged further in old and very old puncheons for 15 years. Stunning! The spirit is beautifully integrated, composing an elixir of compelling mahogany, creme caramel, cheesecloth, varnish, rose water, grape spice, date and a carnival of Moroccan souk scents. The finish is infinitesimal. Among the finest fortifieds of my tasting experience this year."
