2016 Meadowbank Chardonnay, Derwent Valley, Tasmania

This is Peter Dredge's first Meadowbank Chardonnay and what an opening salvo. From 20-year-old estate vines, the 2016 was handpicked and whole cluster pressed directly to French oak barrique (12% new) for a natural ferment. The wine underwent full malo and spent the following nine months in barrel, on lees. Bottled without fining or filtration, on the nose there's fresh nectarine, lemon curd and a dusting of roasted nuts. Focused and chiselled, the palate is tangy and pithy with layers of citrus and crunchy stone fruits. The personality is driven by mouthwatering, punchy, cold climate acidity, while the superb winemaking brings out some mealy, layered seduction. The bar has been set. 

"Natural ferment, natural mlf, 12% new oak. Bottled unfiltered. 180 dozen made. Slender chardonnay with both charm and length. This is fruit and acidity strung on a crackling wire. It's nervy, nectarine-like, citrusy, chalky and long. It doesn't lack texture, not at all, but the acidity keeps things geared towards the finish, where the flavours burst out into the distance. A great option for the cellar."