Cape Mentelle Chardonnay 2021

2021 is proving to be an excellent vintage in the Margaret River region, but one needs a long memory to recall when they were not blessed with fine conditions. The fruit is sourced from the Crossroads and Chapman vineyards, mostly the gingin clone. Whole bunch pressed and fermented in barrels, maturation is in French oak (88%) and tank (12%) for ten months, before transferring all the finished wines to tank for a further five months with monthly lees stirring. A gleaming pale gold and such an alluring nose. The complexity is immediately evident  with wonderful floral notes, stonefruits and vanillin oak, all finely integrated. Tropical notes emerge more on the palate than with the aroma. Balanced, finesse and exceptional length are very much the hallmarks of this stunning Chardonnay. Drink over the next eight to ten years with ease.