2023 Estate Chardonnay

Fermented (ambient yeast) and aged for 18 monhts in a selection of 225- and 500-litre French oak Barrels, 25% new. pH 3.26. Certified organic (CCOF). Tasted blind. Medium lemon. Mineral with flinty reduction on the nose. Savoury yet extremely ripe and dense palate. Well-judged oak use with a lingering spice and grip to the finish. (SCJ)

Full bottle just 1,203 g. Their top barrel selection of Chardonnay is called Sisters in memory of Larry Stone MS’s Romanian mother and aunt who remained inseparable for 90 years even after being forced to leave home. From the Lingua Franca website: ‘The grapes were whole-cluster pressed, settled in tank for an average of 24 hours, then barrel fermented with wild yeast and natural acidity in a combination of 25% new 600-litre puncheons and 75% neutral French oak from diverse French coopers. These were made to our specification with a long and light toast, and often with proprietary wood sources that reduce the flavour impact of the barrel. Full malolactic fermentation was completed in each vessel, and after the wine was blended it was put into a stainless-steel tank with its lees for 6 months prior to bottling. Barrel fermentation and leaving the wines on its lees allows the wine to remain basically untouched and unmoved until it is getting ready for assembly and bottling.’ Rich and very lightly smoky. Really very luxurious. Gorgeous integrity and balance. Polished and glamorous without being sweet. Beautiful to drink now. Satisfying length. (JR)

The 2023 Chardonnay Estate opens with touches of matchstick and graham cracker that give way to stone fruit and beeswax aromas. The medium-bodied palate is flinty and mineral-driven with taut acidity and a long, textural finish. It will benefit from time in the cellar.