2023 Vinelea Chardonnay

Old school Chardonnay that’s big on flavour and texture.

Winemaker Stuart Smith produces an old traditional style of Chardonnay that’s big on flavour and texture. The fruit is picked in several parcels across several weeks to ensure optimum physiological and organoleptic ripeness. In order to impart additional textural richness the wine was lees stirred and underwent 100% malolactic fermentation. Barrels were racked at the end of the first year, the wine then returned to barrel for an additional 6 months for aging. 40% new French oak is used.
Brilliant pale straw colour with yellow straw tinged edges and a watery hue. Filling the nostrils are ripe peach, honeycomb and crème brulee scents followed by hints of butterscotch, bacon fat and spicy nougat. Rich, full and creamy textured with mouth coating flavours of ripe peach, honeycomb, crème brulee and subtle butterscotch underpinned by fresh acidity. Some gentle bacon fat, cashew and spicy nougat elements ensue. Concludes long, ripe and well rounded yet brisk in its feel.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.4%