Who makes it?

Payten & Jones is a partnership between two school friends, Behn Payten and Troy Jones. They make a wide range of wines, including some wines from Priorat, just the south of Spain. Those wines offer something a little different too. Some of those use traditional regional grape varieties with extended skin contact.

The ‘VV Series’ (Valley Vignerons) are much more closer to home. That being Australia’s Yarra Valley. These particular wines are made with an eye on being wines that you can enjoy right away.  And their distinctive labels certainly capture the Australian humour.

How do they make it?

Yarra Valley is renowned for its Chardonnay. This wine has had some time resting in large old oak with occasional lees stirring for extra creaminess and texture. 

What does it taste like?

This is a rather buttery Chardonnay. The creamy buttery notes are a good foil for the grilled pineapple, fresh peach and hazelnut aromas.  The wine is full bodied and curvaceous. There is a slight oily texture in the mouth, and the wine finishes leaving a spicy creamy impression. You can get that this is a big mouthful right? From the number of times I have mentioned butter and cream.

Well, these guys pack a lot into this wine.

What to drink it with?

Don’t restrict your imagination with this one. Chicken, done any way you want, or a roast fish dish with an almond and brown butter sauce, or with some fried sage. Or a cheese roulade stuffed with bacon and a lemon chive sauce.

Quickie review « Rich and creamy but well judged with it. A wine that will deliver a whole lot of pleasure for the price. »

Country of Origin: Yarra Valley, Australia
Tasting Date: October 2021
Price: AU$29 | UK £24 
Drink: now – 3 years
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

If you like this wine, why not check out another great value Australian white:
Sons of Eden Freya Riesling

Visit paytenandjones.com.au for more.