6th February 2006 2004 Verdelho, Chapel Hill, McLaren Vale, South Australia, £7.99, Australian Wine Club Verdelho is a grape that Aussies often hold up as being a natural successor to Chardonnay. It doesn't taste a bit like Chardonnay. But its marked acidity allows the grape to thrive in hot conditions like the McLaren Vale and still keep its freshness. And Chapel Hill are the masters of Verdelho. This has a lovely acidity that somehow seems gentle, just a nudge in the ribs rather a kick in the teeth – and it has a gentle ripeness of honeysuckle, Bath buns, a touch of creamy yeast and an aftertaste a bit like what you'd expect from the flower of a pepper tree. Taken from Oz Clarke's Wine Buying Guide 2005 Printable Tasting Sheet