At time of writing, today the 26th of May is International Chardonnay Day. Nearly every grape gets a day. Like a primary school cross country where every kid gets a ribbon. Anyway. A blend of 4 vineyards: two from Wallcliffe, one Karridale and one Treeton. 100% Wild ferment in in French oak (53% puncheons and 47% barriques, of which 22% new). This vintage sees 12% through malolactic fermentation (lees stirred each 4-6 weeks). Total 8 months in oak.

Flametree, Chardonnay, Margaret River, 2021

Pale lemon. Generous nose with plenty of grapefruit, worked struck match, limey citrus, smoked peach sauce, bacon depth to toffee cream oak with touches of lanolin and brine. Medium weight. Generous modern phenolic texture with classic tight lines. Resonate pear and lime citrus that levels out to a dry and savoury, intense finish.

RRP: $30
Alc: 12.8%
Rating:  18/20 (92/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Flametree Wines