Sidewood Mappinga Chardonnay 2020

The 2020 vintage in the Hills was a challenge for many producers, offering a warmer season profile and in this current release a lean towards generosity of flavour and weight. Well managed, as in this case, with partial whole bunch, then wild yeast fermented in 30% new French oak hogsheads and puncheons, matured then for 10 months, this top tier Chardonnay is quite a character. It’s not about overripeness but more about compaction of elements into a middle weight style, with some graphite notes amongst the more obvious stone fruit and sweeter citrus flavours, with faint amaro bitters notes in the palate for a gastronomic finish. Plenty to unpack and enjoy.