Barrel fermented in “new and one year old 500 litre puncheons and 300 litre hogsheads.” 10 months in oak with monthly lees stirring but no malolactic fermentation. This vintage the fruit is sourced from the high slopes of Mount Canobloas in the Orange region.

Gartelmann, Sarah Elizabeth, Chardonnay, Orange, 2016

Light gold in the glass. It funks into the room with sandwich bread crust, light caramel, peach stonefruit, lemon curd and some flinty edges. Nutty and creamy rich without tipping over the edge. The oak influences are balanced by the natural acidity of the region which sits like a excited exclamation mark. A vibrant, yet medium-full expression that will develop further and open its wings.

RRP: $30
Alc: 13.7%
Rating: 17/20

Wine sample courtesy of Gartelmann and Define Wine