Chardonnay 2021

This fine value, organically certified wine is designed to 'focus on the textural element of the palate rather than emphasising primary fruit characters'. It is typically a full-bodied, complex wine with good mouthfeel, ripe fruit characters shining through, subtle toasty oak, and fresh acidity. The 2021 vintage (4.5*) was estate-grown in the Raupo Creek Vineyard, in the Omaka Valley, hand-picked, and fermented and matured for seven months in French oak barriques and puncheons (20% new). Bright, light lemon/green, it is fragrant, mouthfilling, sweet-fruited and smooth, with generous, ripe stonefruit flavours, showing very good complexity and harmony, and a slightly creamy texture. Already drinking well, it should be at its best 2023+.

4.5 stars - Michael Cooper