The team at Heggies (Hill-Smith Family Estates) have the recipe right. While Chardonnay is somewhat the handmaiden to EV Riesling Queen, quality is evident. Winemaker is Marc Van Halderen.
Heggies Vineyard, Estate, Chardonnay, Eden Valley, 2023


30% new oak while the ferment goes through ‘passive malo.’ Lees stirring at 4-6 weeks. Fresh, with clean restrained nose that develops in the glass and even more so on the palate. Unripe strawberry, vanilla bean, lemon shortbread, dinner roll doughiness, soft stone fruit, tobacco leaf and some funky edges. Savoury, with grip and slightly thick texture that overrides all at the moment. Has some chunk with a that touch of funk to finish a touch square. Juicy acidity comes late for the clean up.
RRP: $36
Alc: 13%
Rating: 90/100
Wine sample courtesy of Heggies Vineyard