Fenian Wines Estate Chardonnay 2019

Unoaked chardonnay had its time in the sun around a decade ago when it seemed like lots of winemakers were hedging their bets between heavy oak and no oak. They’ve ended up somewhere in between although many seem to have forgotten that there are plenty of great chardonnays that never see the inside of a barrel, most notably in Chablis. This is a delicious example from the Mornington Peninsula which shows the natural generosity of the variety. Pale golden in colour, there is an array of powerful tropical and citrus fruits – primarily nectarine and peach with some creamy lees complexity. It is then quite full-bodied and rich on the palate underpinned by bright and tangy acidity towards a lingering, elegant finish. Very impressive for an unoaked chardonnay and will drink well over the next two to three years.