Artis Wines Jacopin Chardonnay 2021

Andrew Miller has named this wine as a tribute to the mentor who helped him understand blending – Guy Jacopin from Champagne. Andrew spoke no French and Guy no English so that must have been fun, but they managed. This wine is a blend from the Scotts Creek vineyard in the Riverland and the Woodlands Ridge vineyard in the Adelaide Hills. Each provides different characters to benefit the final wine. It is not only vineyards which are blended. There is also 8% Grüner Veltliner included, which contributes to the texture. 

A pale lemon in colour, there are lovely aromatics here. A well-constructed Chardy, impressive for such a young example, but as we keep saying, 2021 is a cracking vintage. Some attractive peach and melon notes plus a nice line, but the texture really does excite – sensuous and supple. A mid-length style with a hint of bitter almonds on the finish. Drink now and for the next year or two.