A chardonnay side project for Isabel Estate with wild fermentation. Distributed in Australia exclusively by Woolworth’s liquor and to be found at their Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores.

Isabel Estate, Wild Barrique, Chardonnay, Marlborough, 2018

Pale gold hue.  Focused and aromatic. Wild fermentation savoury, mealy flinty notes with spicy oak, lemon rind, egg shell and nectarine. Ying/Yang on the palate: rich fleshy fruit with those mealy, earthier bass floor. The honeysuckle sweetness lingers long through the juicy citrus acidity. For all its richness it offers an authoritative tone rather than a shout and steps purposefully, seemingly at odds with its wild origins.

RRP: $40 (AU)
Alc: 13.5%
Rating: 18.25/20

Wine sample courtesy of Isabel Estate and Dialogue PR