Serafino’s flagship Chardonnay. Wild fermentation. Partial malolactic fermentation and plenty of lees stirring whilst in (lots of) oak. Charles Whish is the winemaker.

Serafino, Sharktooth, Chardonnay, McLaren Vale, 2020

Medium straw yellow. Nougat and tropical notes, underscored with creamy vanilla, butterscotch, sliced stone fruit, lemon butter, “apple pie” (fruit and spice) and cooled with a stony influence. While the body and richness come from plenty of fruit, the (obvious) oak treatment, lees stirring and the malolactic fermentation, there’ s still a focus through the back palate, preventing this from being a blousy, overblown monster. Plenty of phenolic grip leaving the palate achingly dry. One for the lovers of a richer style, but still like things classy.

RRP: $45
Alc: 12.5%
Rating: 18.25/20 (93/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Serafino