Brand & Sons Jim Brand Yates Chardonnay 2022

From vines planted back in 1985, only free run juice is used, fermented primarily in stainless steel, before finishing in barrel. Then a year’s maturation in French oak puncheons. These days, not many winelovers turn to Coonawarra for their whites, especially Chardonnay, but historically, it was a good source. Riesling, for an example, was more widely planted here than even Cabernet as recently as the 70s. A pale lemon hue, there are notes of lemon and citrus, cashews, spices and a hint of dusty earth. A leaner style with good focus, fine acidity and decent length, it is a well balanced Chardonnay with elegance that will provide attractive drinking over the next four to five years.