Bannockburn Chardonnay 2019

As always, the Chardonnay is drawn mostly from the Estate's Olive Tree Hill Vineyard (planted in 1976) and Winery Block (1981), which are on volcanic soils over limestone, with an average vine age around 35 years. More recently, the Estate Chardonnay now includes fruit from the Kelly Lane Vineyard (Clone 76). Whole-bunch pressed and settled overnight, this wine was then wild-fermented in 500-litre French oak puncheons (20% new), with 60% undergoing malolactic. The wine spent ten months on lees with minimal stirring and no sulphur was added until bottling. The wine opens bright and floral with lovely citrussy freshness cutting through the stone fruit generosity of the palate. Tapers to a beautiful savoury close backed by that classic Bannockburn salinity.