Riverby Estate Chardonnay

Double decanted about four hours ago. A paler colour than I remember for previous vintages of this wine. Gentle nose, hints of cut grass and lemon juice. The palate is a little more abrupt - it quickly pulls itself together, some acid intensity here, breadth on the palate, I was looking for a higher abv than the 13.5% on the label. After the initial peak it decays gently, becomes a bit more sophisticated, a bit less obviously “New World Chardonnay”. …

Less recognisable as the wine I tasted out of barrel in Nov 2023 than the 2023 Pinot Noir, this is a slick effort, with bold, pitch perfect fruit ripeness and acidity, judicious use of oak, excellent balance and a fine texture. It is zippy and racy, but after a day or two the concentration becomes more noticeable. I have read that this tastes a bit like Chablis or Pouilly Fuisse, but in my opinion it just tastes like a very …