2020 was a divisive vintage in Australia, but Crittenden estate managed to avoid most the impacts. Hand harvested fruit that is then whole bunch pressed to new, one and two year old French oak barriques. Wild yeast fermentation and maturation in the same barrels for 11 months, with occasional lees stirring. Approximately 80% of the wine went through malolactic fermentation. Winemaker is next generation Rollo Crittenden.

Crittenden Estate, The Zumma, Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula, 2020

Rich and expressive Chardonnay nose with buttery, creamy malo affectations over almond meal, ripe fig (almost chocolate), lemon citrus, ripe stone fruit and easy flaky pastry. Generous yet complex with plenty of layers: textural winemaking influences over quality and intense fruit. The barrel and malo influences proffer near vanilla overtones with fine focus and a long length.

RRP: $57
Alc: 12.5%
Rating:  18.25/20 (93/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Crittenden Wines