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.