Bethany Blue Quarry Chardonnay 2022

From a single vineyard in the Flaxman Valley sub-region of the Eden valley, the fruit was barrel fermented, with 30% being in new French oak. The wine was then left on lees and stirred regularly over the next six months and malolactic fermentation blocked. An appealing gold hue, the aromas weave through florals, lemons, cashews, a hint of grapefruit and some characters more tropical. A supple texture and good line of acidity, with intensity running the full journey. The palate reveals a touch more of the tropical notes. Nicely balanced, the oak on the palate is a tiny bit more apparent than it seemed on the nose, but the wine is none the worse for it. A pleasing style which will drink well for at least the next four to seven years.