Stonier Merricks Chardonnay 2024

The first bottling of Merricks Chardonnay under Julian Grounds guiding eye. A blend from three vineyards within the estate, with elevation. Wild ferment, no battonage, partial malo and into French puncheons of which 20% is new. Some delicate grated nutmeg and birch bark greets the grapefruit and white peach tones. The traces of oak also bring out the dainty white florals. Acidity climbs steadily whilst allowing for nougatine creaminess. This bottling is amping up those richer and more textural components that sit neatly beside buttery sauces and meaty shellfish so well. It is sexy and it knows it, beautiful sipping today and will age well over 8-10 years in the dark parts of your cellar.