Geoff Merrill Reserve Chardonnay 2023

The team undergo a strict blind tasting of all their Chardonnay to select the best barrels from both McLaren Vale and Coonawarra. These are blended and returned to new French oak hogsheads for a further nine months of maturation. With this vintage, the split was 55% from McLaren Vale and 45% from Coonawarra. A fresh, lemony yellow hue, the nose is redolent of apricot skins, peaches, nectarines, citrus, nuts, cinnamon, spices and even a hint of Hendricks Gin. The oak is well integrated and there is juicy acidity and a sleek texture with a persistent finish. A well-balanced wine, enjoy this over the next five to six years.