Frei Brothers Reserve Chardonnay 2013

This is a barrel-aged chardonnay that shows some oak on the nose and palate. If you're oak-averse, a characteristic some people are proud of, this is not for you. But to my mind and palate, the oak is well handled and it adds an interesting dimension to the flavour profile, and doesn't obscure the essence of the fruit. The fruit itself is ripe, layered, and persistent, and it's complemented by fresh acidity. All the components hold together well. You can drink this chardonnay now, or hold it another three or four years. Score - 4 Stars (out of 5). (Rod Phillips, rodphillipsonwine.com, May 14, 2015)