Chardonnay 2018

With aromas of grilled pineapple, fresh baked apple, slight citrus peel, custard, pastry, hints of vanilla bean and crème brûlée. The palate shows bright, tropical flavours balanced by a creamy texture leading to a long, complex, warm finish.

The 2018 vintage benefited from a very hot summer, leading to ripe fruit with complex flavours. The grapes were harvested in late September with a portion set aside to dry for 1 month in the traditional Appassimento method for added depth and complexity. With fermentation and age taking place in French oak barrels for 9 months. Drinking beautifully now, this wine will continue to evolve well through to the year 2025.

Serve this wine with just a slight chill to achieve balance between the oak and fruit flavours. Pair with dishes such as roasted chicken or turkey, pork tenderloin with apple chutney, seared scallops, Dungeness crab, steamed mussels, cream sauce pastas and creamy risottos.

91 Points from Dean Tudor of World Wine Watch