Kooyong Farrago Chardonnay 2020

The Farrago Block is a little under three hectares in size, with the fruit for the Chardonnay sourced from a 0.7 hectare of vines a little over twenty years of age. The vineyard is clay with a considerable influence from ironstone pebbles. Whole bunch pressing into French oak barriques, a small part of which are new – 20% this vintage. Native yeasts and then nearly a year on lees, though no bâtonnage. One racking but no fining and minimal filtration.

The 2019 was more reminiscent of Grand Cru Chablis than Meursault and the cooler 2020 vintage only seems to emphasise that distinction. Grapefruit, lemon pith, stonefruit notes, a minerally background and a slight wet slate character. The oak is integrating well, leaving a slight nutty impression. Finely crafted, elegant and yet with intensity plus impressive balance, this is a cracking Chardonnay and should impress for at least the next 6 to 8 years.