Brown Brothers Patricia Chardonnay 2020

For me, chardonnay has been where this range has taken its biggest steps forward. And this latest iteration is up there with the best they have released. Not surprisingly, this has been sourced from Brown Brothers Tasmanian vineyards, which are ideally suited to this more refined and precise expression of chardonnay. It was naturally fermented in French oak, with lees stirring after the initial fermentation. It opens with a totally beguiling mix of cereal, stone fruit and a trace of light citrus. The palate though is so powerful and intense, showing the influence of 100% malolactic fermentation to add texture while balancing the acid. It’s built on concentrated fruit delivering a mighty payload that is harnessed with oak in such perfect balance. Has a crunchy, citrussy tang with a minerally edge supported with a defining acidity to promote a very long finish. As good as any yet under this label.