Marchand & Burch Mount Barrow Chardonnay 2024

An early and very quick vintage in Mount Barker in 2024 has produced a beautiful example of this regional Chardonnay. The fruit is whole-bunch pressed and, after minimal settling, fermented in French oak, of which 40 percent was new. It’s a mix of barriques, hogsheads and puncheons with regular lees stirring, the parcels kept separate on lees for about 10 months, with some undergoing malolactic fermentation. There’s plenty in here. The aromas are a powerful mix of stone fruit with a little cashew, vanillin, and lemon curd. The palate is rich but with a fine tightening acidity, delivering minerality and a slightly savoury note to finish, providing precision and poise. This really is a lovely example of Mount Barker Chardonnay.