Fox Wood (France) Reserve Chardonnay 1997
Two bullseyes in a row for Fox Wood, their wines standing out in an extensive tasting for my magazine column. This Chardonnay shares with last week’s Syrah a tremendously attractive and grown-up marriage of ripe, tasty fruit and some serious Old World structure. The nose has buttery oak (barrel fermented, then 7 months maturing in oak) and the palate combines peachy fruit with gentle acidity and a savoury, spicy, food-friendly character. Not quite as stunning as the Syrah, but a very classy Chardonnay that should cellar well for 3 – 5 years. UK stockist: Internet specialist retailer Amivin 6.49.
