Will Rikard-Bell has been the winemaker for the Slow Wine Co (sic) out of Orange NSW for over 10 years. Vines were planted in 1990 by Terrey Johnson on the family farming property of Bantry Grove on the slopes of Mount Canobolas. Wild fermentation, 40% new French oak with MLF permitted. Lees stirring for 4 months.

Slow Wine Co, Chardonnay, Orange, 2021

A hint of gold through the straw colouring. Rich nose, with nutty and creamy winemaking influences, plenty of stone fruit flesh and skins, glace ginger, some toast from the oak, unwrapped nougat and grapefruit flesh. Starting to mature, there’s still some regional concentration and focus to the fuller stone and yellow citrus fruit experience. Finishing dry and with a little phenolic grip. Optimum drinking now.

RRP: $35
Alc: 13.5%
Rating: 90/100

Wine sample courtesy of Slow Wine Co and Define Wine