We are always excited to try out new wines and especially those that are looking to bring about change to the industry by being experimental or introducing new processes. That’s why we were so excited to try out the latest wine from the Scarborough Wine Company.
They sent me a bottle of their 2021 Keepers of the Flame Vintage Chardonnay, and I’d have to say it easily tops the list of one of my favourite chardonnays of 2022. From the amazing flavour notes to the almost perfect balance of the wine it was a great way to ring in 2023.
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But before we get into what is obviously going to be a positive review, let’s find out a bit more about the winery and their brand new range of wines.
About The Scarborough Wine Company
The Scarborough Wine Company is rich in family history. “Built on chardonnay” by Ian and Merralea Scarborough in the Hunter Valley in the 1970s, the Scarborough Wine Company is continued by Jerome and Sally Scarborough, along with Liz Riley, an award-winning viticulturist and also Jerome’s wife.
They are a well-known Hunter Valley winery and a must-see cellar door experience. Scarborough on Hermitage was born in 2011, offering the same extensive range in a different environment with the same attention to detail as the Gillards Road property.
The winery is one of the few Hunter Valley-only producers and has been producing its distinct style of wines since 1987. Scarborough has established itself as one of the Hunter Valley’s leading wine producers, specialising in Chardonnay but also producing other traditional premium Hunter Valley varieties such as Semillon and Shiraz.
What is the Keepers of the Flame range?
The Keepers of the Flame range is a special selection of wines that are made to showcase the best of the region. The name “Keepers of the Flame” represents the family’s commitment to preserving the legacy (or “the flame”) of the founders and maintaining the high standards of quality that they have worked hard at maintaining over the years.
Retailing at $100.00 (AUD) at the time of this review, the 2021 Keepers of the Flame Chardonnay is labelled on the website as, “A little ray of sunshine. This distinctive parcel of chardonnay was identified early in the growing season. Like the previous year of Keepers of the Flame, it came from our Scarborough Cottage vineyard, utilising the new 584 chardonnay clones that were planted. An evolution of the Keepers of the Flame style, that will keep you coming back for more.”
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The review of 2021 Keepers of the Flame Chardonnay
My wife and I enjoyed the chardonnay at the end of a long week. As a first-time drinker of Scarborough’s chardonnay, I found it crisp and refreshing and finishes with a long, clean finish. Of course, every bottle is different, but from our experience, I’d say it can be ideal for those who like that oaky flavour of chardonnay – one that leans towards a bolder flavour. If my friends were to have it with their dinner, I would recommend they have it with grilled fish and vegetables. From what I’ve read, the 2019 and 2020 ranges offer a different palette of flavours, so I recommend trying them too.
The Chardonnay was made with 100% new French oak and had a burnt orange theme that rippled through the wine with white-fleshed stonefruits, almonds, and a lemony drive. The oak is handled beautifully and does not overpower, which is exactly how I like it.
I really enjoyed this chardonnay, and I think the history behind its making helped. The Scarborough Wine Company’s Keepers of the Flame Chardonnay makes it clear that the company is passionate about maintaining its history, but also brave enough to venture towards the future.
You can also purchase the Keepers of the Flame Range as a trio for $250.00, which gives you access to their 2019 and 2020 chardonnay ranges (in addition to the 2021 chardonnay) that distinguish each other through their age and harvest seasons.
