Yarraloch Stephanie’s Dream Chardonnay 2021

This saw 100% barrel fermentation before maturation in barrel for 10 months on full lees. Lemon butter, butterscotch and toast kick off proceedings before lashing of white nectarine, grilled nuts, peach skin, lemon rind and lemon pith. The palate has nice intensity, with a rich mouthfeel quickly cut but pithy, tensile Meyer lemon, grapefruit and white peach with the toast and butter notes lingering beneath. There’s a fine sheath of powdery phenolics that frame it all up, along with lemon peel acidity drawing waves of length and freshness through a long finish.  It’s the balance of richness and freshness that’s alluring here. It threatens ponderousness but is quickly whipped into shape by pithy fruit and integrated structure. Nicely done.