2022 Sidewood Estate Mappinga Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills

Dijon clones 95 and 76; hand picked and partially whole-bunch pressed, wild-yeast fermented in French hogsheads and puncheons (30% new) and matured for 10 months, then the finest barrels chosen for this wine. A classic white peach, pink grapefruit flavour, the palate long and racy.

96 points Special Value James Halliday winecompanion.com.au

The Sidewood Estate Mappinga Chardonnay from the Adelaide Hills is one of the flagship white wines of the region, celebrated for its purity, structure and complexity. Sidewood Estate has earned a reputation for producing elegant cool-climate wines, and the Mappinga Chardonnay comes from some of their highest and most carefully tended vineyard sites, where altitude, long ripening and rocky soils combine to give Chardonnay great tension and refinement.

The Mappinga vineyard benefits from the Adelaide Hills’ cool nights and sunny days, allowing fruit to ripen slowly while retaining crisp natural acidity. Grapes are handpicked and whole-bunch pressed, with fermentation taking place in French oak barrels, a portion of which are new, to build both texture and subtle spice. Lees stirring adds richness and complexity, while the wine’s vibrant line of acidity ensures freshness and balance.

In the glass it is pale gold with green tints. The nose is lifted and complex, showing citrus blossom, white peach and nectarine, layered with hints of cashew, flint and a touch of struck match. On the palate it is medium-bodied and precise, with stone fruits, lemon curd and subtle nougat framed by chalky minerality and crisp acidity. The oak is beautifully integrated, supporting rather than dominating, and the finish is long, elegant and saline.

Food pairings highlight its elegance and texture: seared scallops, roasted chicken with lemon and thyme, or vegetarian dishes such as cauliflower gratin or wild mushroom risotto. It has excellent cellaring potential, capable of developing for 8 to 12 years, gaining notes of honey, hazelnut and toast with age.