Ribbon Vale Chardonnay 2022

This vineyard ripens two weeks after the Moss Wood vineyard, despite their proximity (one kilometre between them). Whole bunch pressing, fermentation first in stainless steel and then transferred to barrel – 228-litre French oak. For this vintage, the wine saw 50% new oak. This is a higher percentage than usual, due to the intensity of the fruit from 2022.  An appealing deep lemony colour. This is a fine Chardonnay, good concentration of flavours, and offering finesse. Spices and lemon curd notes with stonefruit and gentle oak. There is a gorgeous texture here, a little reminiscent of crème brulee in some ways, that is seamless and seductive and supple. With fine balance, good acidity and decent length, this has everything in place for the next five to six years. Love it.