2023 Chateau Pato Chardonnay, Hunter Valley

From the in the end excellent 2023 vintage for Hunter Valley, this is an aromatic Chardonnay with lifted notes of grapefruit supported by creamy and flinty notes, and a touch of white pepper and toasted cashews. Elegant yet rich and fleshy, the palate is layered with complex, textural elements, all underpinned by even acidity and a long finish.

This wine would appreciate being in the company of rich, savory foods with gentle sweetness, spice, or char. Try with a Thai-style salt-crusted whole barramundi (Miang Pla Pao) with a lemongrass, chilli and lime dip on the side. Or slow-roast a celeriac, and enjoy thick slices with brown butter, toasted hazelnuts and crispy sage

More about this wine

This wine is a blend of a Pâto vineyard parcel planted in 1990 and a neighbour’s vineyard just to the north and of similar age, both planted on alluvial sand over yellow clay. Dry-grown and handpicked, the whole bunches of fruit are basket pressed, with fermentation with indigenous yeasts taking place in seasoned French oak hogsheads and puncheons. The wine is then matured in barrels vintage pending for 6-9 months on full lees.

About this producer

Château Pâto is a Pokolbin vineyard planted from 1978 by David and Helen Paterson. David’s son has Nick has been the custodian of the property since his father’s passing in 1993 with a focus on soil and vine health. Most of the vineyard work is done by hand, and the site remains unirrigated.

The range of wines this small producer offers include Shiraz, Semillon, Chardonnay and Marsanne-Roussanne blend, with total production often being less than 500 dozen. Basket pressing is utilised for all varieties, and the wines are fermented and aged in French oak barrels of multiple formats and age.