Petaluma Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay 2023

Petaluma’s yellow label Chardonnay has developed its own varietal statement over several decades, this latest iteration slotting right into that fuller flavoured style, ripe fruited, white floral fragrant, peach and roasted cashew aromas to start, all echoed in the palate with an extra French oak layering courtesy of barrel fermentation (25% new) and 9 months maturation. While this builds a decent weight in the wine, there’s also a recognisable under-layer of acidity driving its finishing energy. Satisfies its reputational and stylistic distinctions.