2024 The Lane Estate Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills

A pretty chardonnay with some distinct oak overlay, creamy vanilla and toasty, brown spice. A little resinous, but not enough to dampen the green apple, brown lime, nectarine and coconut apricot characters going on in perfume and palate. A bit edgy, with acidity prickly through a juicier mainframe of fruit and spice characters. A little breathy in the finish, too. That being said, time should resolve much of this and mellow out in a beautiful golden wine. Stay the course.

92+ points Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

High in the cool hills near Hahndorf, The Lane Vineyard has become one of the Adelaide Hills’ most respected producers of refined cool climate wines. The estate was established in the early 1990s and sits at elevation where long growing seasons, gentle sunlight and cool nights allow Chardonnay to ripen slowly while preserving freshness and natural acidity. Today the wines are crafted by winemaker Sam Milne, whose approach focuses on expressing the character of the vineyard through careful fruit selection and thoughtful winemaking.

The Estate Chardonnay represents a step up in complexity and structure within The Lane range, drawing on selected vineyard parcels that consistently deliver fruit with depth and balance. Fermentation and maturation in quality oak adds texture and subtle complexity while maintaining the purity of the Adelaide Hills fruit.

The wine shows a pale gold colour with bright green reflections. Aromas open with white peach, nectarine and lemon zest layered with grapefruit, roasted hazelnut and gentle oak spice. As the wine evolves further notes of almond, brioche and delicate flinty minerality begin to appear. The palate is rich yet beautifully balanced with flavours of citrus, stone fruit and toasted nuts supported by lively acidity and a fine mineral thread. The finish is long, refined and persistent with impressive freshness.

This style of Chardonnay is excellent with grilled lobster, seared scallops, roast chicken with herbs or creamy seafood dishes where the wine’s texture and acidity complement the richness of the food.