2023 Printhie Topography Chardonnay, Orange

Sourced from three vineyards with altitudes of 1100m, 750m and 900m. Barrel fermented and matured in French oak, 25% new puncheons and 60% mlf. Lemon curd, white peach and custard cream. Orchard apples and nougat. Vanilla oak tones with a touch of butterscotch. A fleshy style with oompf!

92 points Shanteh Wale winecompanion.com.au

Printhie Topography Chardonnay is a confident, site driven expression of Orange that shows just how compelling high altitude Chardonnay can be. The vineyards sit on the slopes of Mount Canobolas, among the highest plantings in Australia, where elevation brings cold nights, slow ripening and naturally high acidity. Volcanic soils add drive and tension, giving the wine energy, precision and a distinctly regional stamp.

Printhie is led by brothers Ed and Nick Swift, whose focus has always been on matching varieties to place. Chardonnay thrives here, and the Topography range is all about highlighting the influence of altitude, aspect and soil. Careful hand harvesting, wild fermentation and thoughtful use of French oak build complexity without masking the fruit or the vineyard.

In the glass, the wine is beautifully detailed. White peach, nectarine and citrus sit alongside subtle struck match, cashew and a gentle brioche note. The palate combines a creamy, textured mid palate with a bright, linear acid line that keeps everything fresh and composed. Oak is seamlessly integrated, adding savoury depth rather than sweetness or weight.

At the table, this Chardonnay really shines. It works beautifully with roast chicken, grilled lobster, scallops or richer vegetable dishes like pumpkin or cauliflower. It is drinking very well now, but it also has the structure to age gracefully for eight to ten years, gaining more nutty, savoury complexity while retaining its core of freshness. A polished, modern Australian Chardonnay that captures Orange at its best.