Botrytised Chardonnay has only been produced by Tamburlaine in 2008 and 2009, when conditions proved right for the natural onset and slow development of the fungus. This first release of 2008 Reserve Noble Chardonnay has a pale gold color and classic aromas of acacia honey and lemon marmalade plus some preserved mandarin peel and ginger. The palate is very sweet with around 250 g/l of residual sugar and very crisp acidity to balance. Multilayered into the very long finish. Drink now to 2020. Twenty-five years ago Mark Davidson started Tamburlaine as a boutique winery, in the days when the Hunter had only 20-25 wineries. Today he produces around 100,000 cases of wine from vineyards in the Hunter Valley, Orange and Mudgee – all Australian Certified Organic (though this is not automatically accepted by USA labeling standards).Around 65% of Tamburlaine’s sales are domestic with a very strong mailing list following. These Reserve wines are not currently available in the USA but a selection of Tamburlaine wines are imported by Guardian of the Grape, Cary, NC.; www.guardianofthegrape.com