Eight at the Gate Wrattonbully Chardonnay 2018

Okay, this is a bit awkward. One is always supposed to prefer the more elite, more expensive wines on offer in the range from a winery, but here, line ball for me – which inevitably means that this is the bargain buy. Curiously, this Chardy is a couple of years older than their elite version and while I am sure that the elite, their Family Selection Chardy, will take the bickie down the track, today I think I’d probably opt for this. Well, line ball.

Wild ferment, this sees the merest touch of French oak according to the blurb, although it is impossible to pick it. It is a gleaming green/gold with melon, stonefruit and hints of citrus. An elegant and tight style which picks up delightfully on the palate. Seamless and with impressive length, this has fine balance. A gentle style for enjoying over the next year or two.