It’s been a while between releases for Stockman’s Ridge of their top tier Chardonnay. Glad I’m not vigneron Jonathan Hambrook’s accountant. Wines are made by the talented Will Rikard-Bell.

Stockman’s Ridge, Outlaw, Chardonnay, Orange, 2017

Soft golden hue with green highlights. Aromas of green apple, lemon dishwashing liquid, feijoa, grapefruit citrus, fleshy stone fruit, sesame oil, bacon fat, pastry and gunflint.  Initial creamy texture with oak spice nuances. Green apple acidity over stone fruit flesh and cutting deep with regional acidity. Developing savoury briny elements starting to emerge so I’d be drinking this one soon, now that the maturation is done for you.

RRP $40
Alc 12.6%
Rating: 90/20

Wine sample courtesy of Stockman’s Ridge