The 2025 Australian wine vintage was a remarkably fast, hot, and dry growing season that produced low disease pressure and highly concentrated fruit profiles. According to the Wine Australia National Vintage Report, the total grape crush rebounded by 11% to 1.57 million tonnes after two record-low years, though volumes still remained comfortably below the long-term historical average. Geographically, weather extremes varied significantly acros...
Zonte’s Footsteps –
Apple Betty Chardonnay 2025 ($35) – The team have named this wine after the much-loved apple dessert, sometimes known as apple cobbler or crumble, and have even gone so far as to include quotes from Mark Twain in the marketing for it, for justification. In doing so, they have headed down a path that I for one would fear to tread. No matter. This is an excellent Adelaide Hills Chardonnay and whilst I can't honestly say that the first thing that popped into my head was an apple dessert, nor would I be looking to pair it with one, it is a thoroughly enjoyable wine.
Shimmering yellow in colour, on the nose we have aromas of stonefruits, nectarines, peaches and apricot skins, along with a touch of cashewy oak. The structure is seamless and there is good intensity throughout. A wine of excellent balance and focus which should provide pleasure for at least the next five to six years. It would make an excellent match for a range of dishes, provided that none of them are named Apple Betty. I’d try seafood. 92.
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