Sourced from a single vineyard, the Langton, in the Mount Barker region of Western Australia. Barrel ferment (36% new) but no Malolactic fermentation to keep it fruit forward yet maintaining complexity.

West Cape Howe, Styx Gully, Chardonnay, Mount Barker, 2019

Flinty and sharp nose, oak is quite prevalent at the moment but takes a back seat with a little air. Complexity of ghee, white stone fruit, grapefruit, crusty dinner roll, peanut oil and those flinty notes. Dry and structural with a keen acid, biting drive. Oak and lees work play their part to provide mealy, savoury undertones (and a touch of cedar through the finish) to just ripe white stone fruit. Fine and tight, maybe a little too tight. Time may allow it open and bloom.

RRP: $30
Alc: 13%
Rating: 17.5/20 (90/100)

Wine sample courtesy of West Cape Howe Wines