2017 Melba Lillian Family Reserve Chardonnay

Oak-fermented Chardonnay is a ‘winemaker’s wine’, as it is where all sorts of production choices can be made. Age of barrels? Time therein? Cooper? Toast level? Solids? Lees stirring? Malo?

This wine is more fruit-focused than some of its style, and relatively pale in colour. While it displays subtle oak, it also shows the aromas of honeydew melon and nectarine, which our vineyard gives us. The nose is youthful, and relatively fruit-forward, with the oak influence definitely in the background.

The early palate is lean and tight; it gathers pace mid-palate, where it shows some richness, but without broadness. For a wine of this style, it has a definite emphasis on the products of the vineyard rather than the winery. The oak returns fleetingly on the finish, to ensure length and add a touch of spice.

Enjoy with veal or chicken in a light mustard sauce, quiche Lorraine or grilled salmon.