Brokenwood Forest Edge Orange Chardonnay 2019

The Forest Edge chardonnay grapes were whole bunch pressed and underwent wild ferment in new French Oak.  Whole bunch pressing, wild ferments in new French oak have come together in spectacular fashion. 

An interesting nose of sweet corn, yellow peach, pink grapefruit, almond meal, flint, brine and red apple skin.  The palate has electrifying acidity that sits just behind the front teeth, the fruit is concentrated and long.  It undulates over the palate on a pristine path towards a clean finish.  There’s a custard powder sweetness that I can’t ignore (and don’t want to) on the back palate, tempered by grounding notes of white pepper, red currant, nutmeg and citrus pith.  The 35% new oak is evident, but the fruit has got requisite power and presence to rise and match it. This is practically begging for an extra year before we look at it again, such is the exuberance and buoyancy of the fruit flavours.