Fruit from M&B/Howard Park’s Great Southern vineyard Mount Barrow, located at the bottom of the Mount Barker region. Handpicked fruit, natural ferment in French oak barriques, hogsheads and puncheons (40% new, 30% 1 year old, 30% older). Stirred weekly until dry then settled on lees in barrel and tank with some parcels going through malolactic fermentation (MLF).

Marchand & Burch, Mount Barrow, Chardonnay, Mount Barker, 2024

Medium light straw with green/gold highlights. A little winemaking influence opens things up with quality toast, cashew cream, and biscuity notes before pure mineral quartz, sliced white stone fruit, brioche slices, lime juice and soft brine. Focus and intensity. Balanced phenolic grip over multi-layered complexity. Long lines of persistence while the MLF brings a protein depth. Finishing dry. Class and elegance.

RRP: $100
Alc: 13%
Rating: 95/100
Wine sample courtesy of Marchand & Burch