Ghost Gum Southern Lights Chardonnay 2023

The third release of the Ghost Gum wines from Mornington Peninsula, more specifically the legendary Main Ridge sub-region, and great to see standards are being maintained. Whole bunch pressing, the wine saw a wild ferment in a mix of French oak barrels, 300 litre and 500 litre, 30% of them new. 30% of the blend was unsulphured to increase both freshness and complexity. Under diam. Straw lemon, the nose exhibits notes of stone fruit, almonds, spices, peaches, a hint of pear, citrus, notably orange blossoms, and a touch of herbs, with a flinty, minerally backing. This is still very much a youthful Chardonnay and the best is yet to come. The oak has been deftly handled, there is juicy acidity and there is real intensity. A wine of focus and serious length, which will continue to improve over the next decade. A cracker.