2024 Paxton NOW Chardonnay, McLaren Vale

NOW stands for Natural Organic Wine — no added preservatives, certified organic and biodynamic, and made to be opened fresh.

The Chardonnay is sourced from Thomas Block, Paxton's coolest estate vineyard, night harvested to preserve aromatics and whole berry pressed before fermentation in stainless steel. Time on lees with weekly stirring adds a gentle creaminess to the texture. Bottled early to keep the fruit vivid.

Tropical and bright on the nose: ripe mango, pineapple and lychee with a lift of hibiscus and a squeeze of lemon keeping it fresh. The palate is silky and generous with a hint of pithy grip for structure and a soft, pastry-like close.

Easy and genuinely enjoyable. An early evening wine, or something to take to a BYO without overthinking it. Vietnamese rolls with nuoc cham; grilled king prawns with mango salsa; or a simple chicken and avocado salad with a citrus dressing. The wine's tropical fruit and fresh acidity would sit happily alongside all three.

A wine made for today rather than the cellar.