This is a Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay masterclass and I wouldn't have it any other way. The fruit purity sizzles. A wine of intrigue and class that highlights the deft touch of winemaker Simon Black.
It's such a detailed wine, yet it glides about with ease. From the original eleven rows planted at Montalto in 1985, the north-facing site sits 110 metres above on red clay soils.
The fruit was whole bunch pressed and oxidatively handled. Fermentation took place in French oak (27.3% new to be precise). Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally followed by 11 months on lees and some stirring.
A hive of interest from the outset, lemon juice and lemon curd feature alongside concentrated white fleshed nectarines, almond praline and cashews. A yellow grapefruit tang brings the mouth to water with flickers of ginger and cinnamon spice. The longer it sits, the more I want in. Dive in with pike. It's a wine that takes control and steers the conversation in the right direction and I just want to sit back, listen and absorb every word. Just brilliant!
Drink to eight years+
96/100
Region: Mornington PeninsulaSource: Sample
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