Vignerons Schmölzer & Brown Thorley Chardonnay 2021

This opens all salty and creamy, with aromas redolent of those that waft from a platter of blinis. A swirl of the glass uncovers fresh pure fruit notes of green pear, green apple skin, and subtle white nectarine ahead of a whisper of oak spice. Lovely oyster shell notes emerge with air increasing the savoury appeal. The salinity and creaminess play well together, a balance of tension and weight. The palate is medium bodied with lovely intensity and a spicy undertone. Ripe lemon, nashi pear, bitter apple skin, mineral. Loads of bright acid and apple-laced phenolics bring the tension and attractive bitterness through to a long salivating close. A characterful and thought-provoking Chardonnay, and one that will reward following time in cellar.