2019 Tan Fruit Chardonnay Eyrie Vineyard

Pale lemon in colour. Holy heck! I was not expecting the reduction! This is an entirely different animal to the Oak Grove. It's flinty, mineral, smells very much like a just-fired gun. Underlying that reduction is green apple and lemon juice. The palate is intense with high, linear acidity. A creamy texture despite the high acid. The finish just keeps going. Not ready yet. Marvellous what talented winemakers and Eyrie fruit can do together. (SCJ)

Only one Damy barrel of the incredible 2019 Chardonnay Eyrie Vineyard was made, from Draper selection vines planted in 1968. It was matured for 20 months, about 14 in barrel and six in stainless steel. The Eyrie is characterized by singular tones of graphite and mushroom powder. "There's only one barrel in the cellar that behaves like that," says Maresh, "and it's the Eyrie. It's just something in those vines. I oxidize early and make wine that heavily combats reduction. But even with my process, there is something that still comes through on the Eyrie." Its aromas continually open and evolve as it spends time in the glass, the palate mirroring with waves of savory, flint-streaked flavor. It finishes with tremendous length. This exceptional, age-worthy Chardonnay should rest in the cellar at least another 3-5 years.