World-class Chardonnay from the Wachau - PAX Reserve 2021

I love surprises and courage. So a serious Chardonnay from the Wachau is a treat for my soul. I used to think that Chardonnay is the bitch of the wine world as it likes to be a chameleon, to be a pleaser. As of this today, I tend to respect a blank page for the winemaker more than I have in the past. Chardonnay, clearly depending on the clone, is easily the best toy of any winemaker in the cellar, that is true. But it is also one of the best transmitter of terroir on this planet.

This '“Reserve” is a Wachau wine and not a Chardonnay. It praises not only this fantastic region, but also the small team of the PAX winery. Verena und Franz are new shooting stars of the area bringing animating, precise wine to the market.

Due to the new DAC laws in Wachau, the wine can not bear neither the name of the variety nor the spific vineyard site that it comes from. What a pity with such a terroir-driven wine…

The nose shows ripeness and light jasmine tee with a hint of vanilla yoghurt. Upon sipping, the wine takes over and grabs you by your taste buds. The wine ghost has an immense contentration on the palate, true to its Wachau terraces, The structure is difened by a long-hauling acidity which gives stage to the myriad of aromas. It blooms on your palate and slowly leaves with an aromatic minefield in every corner of your mouth. You taste ripeness, precise & pointy acidity, masculine sharpness and wonderful drinkflow.

Love or hate Chardonnay, this variety is a true professional dancer on any characterful terroir where it learns (and improves) the local dance with its impressive adaptability. This time, the true character of Wachau, and the courageous venture of Franz Pichler Jr. with Verena Axman.