Six months in two brand new French oak puncheons creates the Briar Ridge Ampelus. From their revered Briar Hill site, this is quite something. The handling and precision are show-stopping.
French oak has the potential to be a beast to tame, particularly if the offering is 100% new as we have here, but the winemaking skill shines and this Chardonnay is most impressive.
The balance of the fruit and oak ensures both entities thrive. Scents of green apple skin, custard apple and oatmeal move to a grapefruit and white fleshed nectarine drive. Add some flint and match sticks to the width on offer and you have a very good drink. It's a mighty expression of Chardonnay.
Drink to five years+
94/100
Region: Hunter Valley