Stonier Reserve Chardonnay 2023 6pack 13.5% 750ml

Stonier Reserve Chardonnay 2023 6pack 13.5% 750ml

TASTING NOTES

AROMA

Floral elements of stone fruit blossom, and briney, oyster shell notes are interwoven with aromas of fresh cashews.

PALATE

The palate is striking for its persistence. There is an air of place, with a long, saline acid structure, kaffir lime leaf and roasted hazelnut flavours all in abundance. Absolutely stunning and delicious.

VINIFICATION

Each vineyard batch was whole bunch pressed and fermented separately in French oak puncheons. Approximately 50% of the puncheons were selected to undergo partial malo-lactic fermentation. After almost 10 months in barrel, the vineyard components were blended and retained in tank for two months prior to bottling.

MATURATION

Average 30% new, with the balance in one to five year old.

VINTAGE NOTES

A cooler and slightly damper than average spring led to smaller but intense crops from the harvest of 2024. Post January, the prevailing conditions were dry and warm, ensuring that fruit ripened evenly and the grapes were in great condition for harvest.

REGION NOTES

The Reserve Chardonnay is a wonderful representation of our old Estate at Merricks with the KBS vineyard as the core component.

CELLARING POTENTIAL

2024 - 2035.

RANGE NOTES

The Reserve Chardonnay represents a blend of our most prized Chardonnay vineyards, unique due to their southerly location and easterly disposition.

96 Points

Light-mid yellow, bright in the glass, with a bouquet of lightly browned toast, shortbread and croissant, the palate finely tuned but also rich and deep, combining generosity and poise. Lovely lemon/citrus freshness carries the finish very long and with lots of energy.

Huon Hooke - The Real Review, 7 February, 2024