Port Phillip Estate Balnarring Chardonnay 2020

The Port Phillip Balnarring vineyard has three parcels of Chardonnay, but for this wine the fruit comes exclusively from the oldest plantings. Originally planted in 1997, the team took control of the vineyard a decade later. Miocene sedimentary soils, for those into dirt. Gentle whole bunch pressing into French oak barriques (a mix of 228 and 350 litres), 15% new, with fermentation by natural yeasts. 11 months ageing on lees, with bâtonnage avoided. Pale straw, there are gentle notes of citrus. This is the more refined of the two vineyard Chardonnays. A steely backing here, nicely balanced. Lemon, ginger and pear notes. More citrus than stonefruit, but notes of both. This is complex, but it is also certainly approachable yet with good tension. Concentrated and with really good length, this is seriously impressive.