This is from the Yarra Valley in Victoria and is a blend of 81% Chardonnay, 14% Viognier and 5% Sauvignon Blanc. There is also a “Red Hat” blend that I didn’t get the chance to try. The marketing angle is quite clever with the two wines in the range easily identifiable and a link to the Shelmerdine family’s past as hat manufacturers. I did find the label to be a little bit “busy” for my personal liking, but it may appeal to others more.
Tasting Note: Stonefruit, apricot, lots of peach and a mealy, spicy oak character aromas comprise the nose. It possesses good intensity of fruit flavour on the front and mid palate, although it fades slightly at the finish. Even though the wine is 13% alcohol, there is still a hint of some heat to the nose and certainly a little bite of alcohol on the finish – perhaps this is the (typically high alcohol when ripe) Viognier influence showing through? It’s an interesting wine for sure, but I’d want to see it around at a lower price than the RRP to recommend trying it.
Score: 85/100 Drink: 2007-2008
Price: $17.99 AUD RRP
Source: Winery Sample
Producer Website: http://www.hatwines.com
I just stumbled upon this great video of the Nantucket Wine Festival. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
http://nantucket.plumtv.com/videos/wine_festival_2007_highlights