Fleet Leongatha Chardonnay 2024

Grown in the red basalt soils of Leongatha on a north facing slope with easterly aspect that was planted in 1990. This was whole-bunch pressed to tank for settling, then racked to neutral puncheons for fermentation. This is a charming Chardonnay with a beautiful balance of richness, freshness and mineral detail. It’s reluctant to start with emergent notes of peach blossom florals and toast marking the aromatic beginnings, before kumquat and quince to follow. The floral notes swell with air before an occlusion of gentle ginger, peach skin, pastry dough and oyster shell with the faintest hint of nougat as a bass note. There’s a low-toned feel to the aromas, though not to a fault, and the oyster shell minerality builds with air adding shape and savoury intrigue. The palate has a round feel with delicately toasty notes wrapping around ripe yellow apple, nectarine, subtle flint, pear and quince with a cut of that same minerality adding lift. The acidity is tangy and livening, bringing a tart frame around the fruit and drawing the wine to good length. A compelling release.