Picardy Chardonnay 2023

Creamy and complex, there’s a coolness to the fruit profile and a savoury spice mix that draws you into the glass. The simplicity of a lemon tart belies the technique and mastery of the pastry chef, and it is also a dessert that relies wholeheartedly on the concentration and quality of citrus fruit available. 4 clones of Chardonnay (76, 95, 96 and 277) are drawn from the Picardy vineyard, and paired with a detailed oak regime the result is fine, detailed and yet has a refrained opulence. Impeccably stylish on the palate, the fruit concentration and phenolic grip is on point. Lemon tree and zest, with savoury baking spices, grated nutmeg and a rock salt crust. While there is plenty going on here, it is primarily a fruit-first wine, with a long line of flavour-propelled fishing-line tension – with a sizeable catch on the end of it, that is.