This Chardonnay from Ox Hardy grew on me I must admit. Give it some time to settle and you'll be rewarded.
Sourced from three Adelaide Hills sites, it saw 100% barrel fermentation and underwent partial malolactic fermentation before seeing French oak for 8 months (35% new).
The oak protrudes a little and steals the limelight early bringing custard tart and caramel drops along for the ride. Vanilla pod lurks in the background. Some time in the glass see a concentration of white-fleshed stonefruit seizing control with the flicker of some freeze-dried mango and an injection of lemon juice. The sustained finish carries a delicate nuttiness on its shoulders. This will age wonderfully but drinks well now if you let it breathe. Top stuff.
Drink to eight years.
92/100
Region: Adelaide Hills
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