Chardonnay sails under the radar in Coonawarra, but it has some pedigree. Pressed off to French oak (30% new). Fermentation in oak (50% wild yeast and 50% selected yeast) before 8 months on lees with regular stirring and partial malolactic fermentation.

Hollick Wines, Bond Road, Chardonnay, Coonawarra, 2024

Pale to mid lemon. The winemaking taking over in the early days: Nougat, caffe latte, white chocolate, yellow stone fruit, yellow melon, vanilla malt milkshake and brown pear slices. Generous, but with a surprising spine of acidity. Plenty of oak grip to wrap the barley sugar and stone fruit flesh, with a pithy bitter citrus tang and jasmine white flower halo. A match for pork or chicken schnitzel.

RRP: $35
Alc: 12.5%
Rating: 89/100

Wine sample courtesy of Hollick Wines