Stonier, Reserve Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula

Wow - this was a really nice surprise. So much minerals and lovely flint. Still very fresh and reductive in style. Apples and bright acidity. The nose and palate are very burgundy, albeit the acidity is perhaps the one giveaway - I do think if served blind I would call old world !

92+ Saline & citrus dominant Mornington Pen' chard, some development since last year. N: Salted, crushed salted peanuts, salted lemon skin, sour lemon juice, warm toasty oak and very subtle melted butter and apricot. Reductive. P: Lemon curd w balance of zesty citrus and richness. Brisk tension grips the mouth. Bruised green apple. Undercurrent of riper stone fruit alongside creeping toasted oak. Med+ acid. Slight evolution with more savoury quality F: Warm hug of savoury dough, melted butter and toast

Starts up with popcorn in the nose (like a very good NZ Chardonnay). Clean cold climate style, nice acidity but still fruity. Very enjoyable.

Classy Chardonnay from Mornington Peninsula. A blend of three vineyards, up to 40yo, priced higher than the single vineyards. N: Immediately flinty and saline, salt preserved lemon, refined, whiff of smart reduction (complimentary). P: Bright and super fresh style, more angular, old school Oz Chard antithesis. Med acid, chalky texture and flinty offers measured tension, waxy lemon zest, briny. Orchard peaches when warmer. F: Lacks a little concentration, bone dry, subtle creme anglais.

Brief notes. Fully developed. Still drinking well. (91 Very good wine)