2022 Echunga Chardonnay 27 year old vineyard in Echunga, 400m above sea level. Hand-picked, Bernard Clone 76, whole bunch pressed into French (Damy) 300L Hogsheads with a mixture of 25% new and 2nd/3rd use barrels. The wine naturally went through wild yeast fermentation and malolactic fermentation. Regular lees stirring was undertaken. Unfined and unfiltered. Bottled in February 2023 after 10 months in barrel. Only 180 cases made. 13.2% alcohol. Tasting Notes Vibrant nose of lemon rind, green apple, honeydew melon, and pink grapefruit, accented by floral notes of white jasmine. There’s a savory saline quality reminiscent of Noilly Prat vermouth, adding complexity to the fresh fruit. The palate delivers linear acidity with a mouth-coating texture with secondary oak-derived nuances of cardamom, dill, nutmeg, and ginger mingling with softer notes of nougat, yogurt, and brioche. The wine finishes with great length, leaving a lasting impression of orchard fruit and subtle spice. The Wine Front - 92 Points
