While Chardonnay is somewhat the handmaiden to EV Riesling Queen, the team at Heggies (part of Hill-Smith Family Estates) have the recipe right. Winemaker is Marc Van Halderen.
Heggies Vineyard, Estate, Chardonnay, Eden Valley, 2024

Sticking with the winemaking of 30% new oak while the ferment goes through ‘passive malolactic fermentation’ with lees stirring at 4-6 weeks. Savoury and showing the hallmarks of the winemaking. Lemon barley, tonic water, butter wrapping, flint, white nectarine slices, white nougat, ham hock, hazelnut paste and sesame oil. Winemaking sees a fine textural base with a creamy mid over which bittersweet fruit waxes and wanes. Firmly in the bigger mode of Chardonnay while retaining refreshing Eden Valley acidity and flintiness.

RRP: $36
Alc: 13%
Rating: 91/100
Wine sample courtesy of Heggies Vineyard