Eastern Peake Two Mile Hill Chardonnay 2023

Fruit comes from the Two Mile Hill vineyard, around seven kilometres from Eastern Peake, planted in 2017 by the Schaefer family under the Latta’s guidance. The four-acre site has three soil types; the Chardonnay sits on rich red volcanic soils, facing slightly south-west. Whole-bunch pressed, fermented with indigenous yeasts in 300L hogsheads. Full solids, full malo, full flavour. Pale yellow-gold. A core of baked yellow apple, poached pear and peach skin is laced with grilled macadamia and cedar. Hints of tonic, wet stone and citrus preserves add bite and lift. The palate is sapid and intense, with yellow peach, Meyer lemon, pear and yellow apple layered with nutty savouriness and a mineral edge. Fine phenolics pull it to a gentle but purposeful length. This is rich, nutty and savoury, yet kept fresh and bright by vibrant fruit and mineral tension. A strong release.