Wine Tasting - King Fish Southern Australia Chardonnay 2009

"In water one sees one's own face; But in wine one beholds the heart of another."

 - French Proverb

Last weekend Andy at Eat More Produce pointed out this wine to be an excellent value.  Particularly, the Chardonnay and Shiraz from King Fish.  Well ~ it was a beautiful Spring day here in Central Florida.  What are two little plastic dolls to do outside in the 91-degree warmth with their German Shepherd-Chow mixed little girl by their side?  Yes, you certainly know what.  Turn on the oscillating fan and uncork a chilled Chardonnay!  What can go wrong other than emptying that bottle of wine, huh?

Chucky's Point Score:  87

Tiffany's Point Score:  89

King Fish Southern Australia Chardonnay 2009

Appellation:  Southern Australia

Grape Varietal(s):  Chardonnay

Retail Price:  $5.00

Vintage:  2009

Producer:   King Fish Vineyards

Alcohol:  12.5%
Calories:   88 per 4-ounce


Tasting notes as follows. 

Chucky's Tasting Notes

Tiffany's Tasting Notes

The label reads as follows:

"Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day.  Teach a man to fish and he will sit in a boat drinking King Fish wines all weekend!  Cast a line for King Fish -- these easygoing food friendly wines make any day as pleasurable as a day on the water.


King Fish Chardonnay bursts with bright aromas of orange and honey-suckle, layered with green apple, pear and soft, rich flavors or tropical fruit  and vanilla.  Serve with baked or poached fish, or pasta with cream sauce for a great catch."

Tiffany and I were both truly impressed by this Chardonnay.  There is absolutely no way that you will believe you're drinking a $5.00 bottle of wine.  Such a traditional Chardonnay that leans a little bolder.  


Our tasting sheets measure similarly in point score but clearly show a difference in our perceptions.  What Tiffany and I smell on the nose tends to be different almost every wine tasting.  But, we tend to taste what the other detects on the nose.  The King Fish Chardonnay is somewhat complex which is reflected our or different taste detections.


Oh yeah... A Southern Australian wine from California?  Yes, I read this correctly did I not?  The fact that King Fish states nothing other than "Southern Australia" tells us that the grapes are not region specific.  These aren't grapes from McLaren Vale or Barossa Valley.  Instead they represent many vineyards for many reasons.  It is probably dependent upon grape character, availability, price, and grower surplus.  But, remember... King Fish is putting their name on the label.  They wouldn't want an inferior product behind their label due to inferior grapes.  Go ahead!  It's a very safe wine.  The gamble and risk are gone because Tiffany and I have already tried it for you! 


Hi-dee hi-dee it's-Australian-white-wine-from-California-ho my friends.