Robert Oatley The Pennant Margaret River Chardonnay 2019

This is the serious/flagship version of the Finisterre – to be honest, it was really going to have to perform to top that wine. 65% Karridale and 35% Wilyabrup material. The gin gin clone whole bunch pressed into 100% new tight-grained, low-toast French oak, indigenous yeast. Just 11 barrels. 

Opens with an intriguing hint of a sea breeze. Some of the similar subtlety as seen in the Finisterre, but more depth and concentration. Peaches, stonefruit, some citrus. Good acidity. The oak is a touch more apparent here. More intensity. Good length. Still the appealing brightness. On the palate, more floral notes emerged. Some nuttiness, cashews. 

I’d be drinking the Finisterre now for a couple of years and then moving to this wine for another five.