2021 Hartford Court Chardonnay Stone Côte Vineyard

Originally known as Durrell Vineyard, Hartford purchased half and Bill Price (of Three Sticks) bought the other half. The vineyard is planted in an old river bed. Winemaker Jeff Stewart shares 'pH is typically 3.5 or 3.6 but there's around 8 g/l of TA – lots of buffering capacity. Stone Côte   doesn't like to ferment quickly ... 2022 was an 11-month fermentation.' Fermentation and ageing in 100% French oak (13% new) for 14 months. Pale lemon colour. Lemon zest, white peach and blossom with a distinct flintiness and a Play-Doh salinity. Mouth-watering acidity but gentle and creamy mid palate. Peach pithiness and creamy lees quality to the finish. Very elegant, no rough edges, fine and cooling despite the relatively high alcohol. Graham cracker toastiness. Lighter than any of the other three Chardonnays I was shown and with more drive. (SCJ)

The 2021 Chardonnay Stone Cote Vineyard is also a youthful golden hue, with aromas of fresh peach, flinty earth, and lemon rind. Full-bodied, it boasts a supple and soft texture, with round fruit up front and fresh lift on the finish. Offering up a luxurious feel on the palate, with well-managed notes of sweet baking spices, honeydew melon, and wet stone, it’s long on the palate and has a good finish. Drink 2024-2030.