Burton McMahon Yarra Valley D’Aloisio’s Vineyard Chardonnay 2020

It’s a long way between the Yarra and Hunter Valleys. But a friendship between Dylan McMahon of Seville Estate and Matt Burton from Gundog Estate sees these two come together in a unique collaboration using Yarra Valley fruit. 2020 was not the easiest vintage in the Yarra but this is a great effort and shows the detail and complexity seen in our finest cool climate chardonnay although is a little heavier set and earlier drinking than usual.

It’s savoury and understated with floral, chalk and melon scented fruit plus a nice dash of flinty, delicatessen complexity. The palate shows more volume than expected primarily of melon fruit with generous but balanced oak before a long finish underscored by fine acidity. It’s genuinely delicious and will continue to drink well over at least the next five years, and probably longer.