Clandestine Vineyards Chardonnay 2020

One sniff of the glass and it is obvious we have a very fine Margaret River Chardy on our hands. It is crafted from a vineyard in the Wilyabrup region, planted in 1990, and also planted with the famous gin gin clone, which is behind most of the best Margaret River Chardonnay. Free run juice, 11 months in French oak, 25% new and the rest a mix of first and second use. No lees stirring and no malolactic with a total of only 2,640 bottles. 

Good intensity here and lovely oak. At this early stage, there might be a smidge more oak than some would like (others will be delighted). Either way, there is the fruit to match and early complexity coming through. That lovely melon, citrus and stonefruit that is a hallmark of the clone is on show here, as is the concentration and power it provides. Seamless with really good length; even better in 6 to 12 months and should then drink beautifully for many more.