Grand Barossa Chardonnay 2022

The grapes for this wine were harvested early to ensure that freshness and vibrant acidity is retained. Fermentation was in French oak, followed by maturation, where some of the French oak is new.  A dilute yellow hue here, there is a gentle nose and even some elegance evident. Quite a refined style, which is not necessarily what springs to mind when one thinks Chardy from the Barossa, but the team have overcome all obstacles. A cracking vintage helps. We have notes of melons, citrus, a hint of apricot kernel and gentle cashews. Even a dollop of the tropicals. Decent length here and good balance throughout. Drink now and at any time over the next three to four years. Impressive stuff.

Elegantly and charming with white flesh stone fruit, fig, lemon zest and nougat notes on the nose, followed by a beautifully rounded palate offering succulent fruit flavours with creamy texture and bright acidity, finishing supple and elegant. At its best: now to 2027. 

A generous and flavoursome chardonnay displaying lots of ripe stone fruit with a fine cutting citrus edge. Lemon and lemon with a white peach nectarine thing on the nose especially. Then the subtle oak kicks in on the palate. Fine long finish. Cellar up to 6 years.

This is a well-priced and rather delicious chardonnay that has been picked early to retain fresh fruit flavours and some brisk acidity. Very stylish given its price point, this is surprisingly vital and elegant as well as being extremely food friendly, this is largely unoaked, but a portion was matured in older French oak to add some palate interest and structure. Drink now, chilled, but not too chilled. Pair with some pork chops slathered in mushrooms. A well balanced wine from a good vintage. A solid 93 points from me.