For over 15 years, Settlers Rise has been producing small-batch, boutique wines that are a clear expression of their terroir. Hand-harvested, hand-selected and expertly crafted by Peter Scudamore Smith MW, the wines reflect the winemaking ethos of protecting wine quality throughout the journey from vine to wine.
The current release of the ‘Terroirs of the Granite Belt’ by Settlers Rise includes a 2010 Aged Chardonnay and a 2008 Aged Shiraz. Both have been cellared professionally since their production, in order to release them at the start of their optimum drinking window. Both wines can be enjoyed now or cellared for further bottle ageing.
The Chardonnay is medium bodied, with flavours of spice, earth and a lingering bright lemon acidity. It is elegant, understanded and in sync with its granite terroir.
Chardonnay by Peter Scudamore-Smith MW featuring unique parcels from Granite Belt. Here, a mature release wine. All mellow, supple, buttery and honeyed. Like the good old days! It's rich and round, hugely concentrated in honey-butter toast perfume and shows similar flavours with a good dusting of cinnamon sugar, licks of wheatgerm and the last skerrick of limey acidity lending gentle freshness. It's such an opulent wine in its current incarnation, and will suit those seeking heft and oomph, maturity and yet a sense of grace from older, bolder chardonnay. Of an ilk, and done pretty darn well in that regard. Perhaps just a little tired.