Made by the skilled hand of Liz Silkman (nee Jackson) of Silkman fame. 60% of the wine was matured for nine months in new and one year old French oak. Remainder in old oak. Lees stirring, but no malolactic fermentation. The website informs me that they’ve rolled to the 2016 vintage, but this vintage is worth hanging on to if you have it or purchasing if you see it.

Gartelmann, Sarah Elizabeth, Chardonnay, Hunter Valley, 2015

Oak dominant nose before opening a little to expose grilled nuts, pithy grapefruit and a rich lemon butter. The palate steps lightly and provides absolution to any suggestion of heavy handed oak treatment. Tropical fruits, racy acidity and wonderful texture. The oak pipes up towards the end as a smoky reminder but simply acts as a loosely draped shawl around a fruit forward core abundant with lemon drops. Classy.

RRP: $27
Alc: 13.2%

Wine sample courtesy of Gartelmann and Define Wine