Reynolds Vineyards South Australia Chardonnay, 2006

Something must be wrong here. I reported earlier that Reynolds Vineyards, which was selling good value Australian wines in Michigan three or four years ago, had been taken over by Cumulus Vineyards' Climbing label. A few days later, I see a 2006 Reynolds Vineyard Chardonnay in the shop (D&W FreshMarkets). Price is the same as three or four years ago: $7.99 and less than the $11.99 you'll pay for the Climbing label. I don't know what's going on here with corporate naming, etc., but again this wine is a decent value.

The Reynolds (or Climbing) Vineyards are in the Orange area of central New South Wales. It's a relatively new and unknown area for winegrowing but the elevation is high and winemakers are excited about results so far. From the Reynolds label, unfortunately, only the Cabernet Sauvignon actually derives from the Orange appellation. The Chardonnay and Shiraz grapes come mostly from vineyards in the Riverland area, north of Adelaide--good vineyards but not quite as cool as those in central New South Wales. The qualities of this wine can probably be attributed to skillful winemaking and very good rather than superior grapes. It's a medium light straw. The nose is pretty but not showy--lime, grapefruit and green apple. It's fresh, crisp and nicely stated. Pleasant as an aperitif and works well with fish and roasted vegetables.