Riposte The Kantana Chardonnay 2020

This is a wine that is quite shy and easy to miss on first opening. But give it a big glass, a swirl, and it very slowly comes around as it warms up, which bodes well for some time in the cellar. It’s an acid driven, modern Australian style picked early to retain its brightness and freshness. Bright mid straw with a green edge, the aromas are piercing with citrus and florals backed by nougat barrel ferment plus smoky, leesy characters. Wild yeasts and lots of solids have certainly amplified its funky side. The palate is then fresh and crisp, with a light weight frame which is supported by powerful fruit that drives a very long and fine finish. It’s still quite tight and unevolved so give it at least a couple of years to flesh out and see this wine at its best.

Angus Hughson

Founder at Winepilot

Angus is an award-winning wine writer and the Founder and Publisher of Winepilot, the Australian Editor for leading international publication VINOUS with Antonio Galloni based in New York City and the Co-Publisher of The Australian Ark with over 15 years of publishing, writing and judging experience.

Critic and publisher