2022 Ossa Chardonnay, East Coast Tasmania

This sits on the edge of reduction, with plenty of flashy generosity, giving aromas of lemon confit, oyster shells, lime leaves and flint. The textural, medium-bodied palate has bright acidity and a nervy edge of minerality beneath the power and weight. Saline, pithy and tense. Very appealing. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

96 points jamessuckling.com

East Coast chardonnay from clones I10V1 and P58; wild ferment, 20 months in large format French oak. Pale straw with notes of nectarine, juicy white peach and grapefruit with hints of soft spice, nougat, clotted cream, almond blossom, crushed stone and a wisp of struck match complexity. Mouth-filling with pure stone fruit and citrus notes, some nice textural grapefruit pith elements, fine lacy acidity and a finish that pushes on persistently.

93 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

From the dry, sunlit vineyards of Tasmania’s east coast, this Chardonnay reflects Ossa’s focus on marginal sites and quiet precision. The project is driven by a small, hands on team obsessed with cool climate expression, working vineyards where long daylight hours and freezing nights stretch the ripening season. That slow pace builds flavour at lower sugar levels, preserving the acid spine that defines great Tasmanian Chardonnay. The east coast brings a slightly warmer, drier edge than the island’s south, giving the wine generosity without losing tension.

Winemaking is restrained and textural. Whole bunch pressing protects delicacy, fermentation is allowed to unfold slowly, and extended lees contact builds a creamy undercurrent without blurring the line. Oak is present but subtle, acting as a frame rather than a flavour. The philosophy is clarity first, letting site and season shape the wine.

Pale gold in colour, the aromas open with white peach, lemon curd and grapefruit layered with cashew, flint and sea spray. The palate is medium bodied and tightly coiled, with citrus and stone fruit carried by bright acidity and a chalky texture. Flavours stretch long through a mineral finish that feels cool and saline.

It pairs beautifully with oysters, scallops, roast chicken and butter rich seafood. Already impressive for its precision, it will cellar comfortably for eight to twelve years, developing nutty and savoury complexity.

This is east coast Tasmanian Chardonnay defined by light and salt air, focused, textural and quietly powerful.