This wine is Michael Downer's first step on the Chardonnay rung, sourced from premium vineyards in the Lobethal district, Oakbank and the Piccadilly Valley of the Adelaide Hills. Each small parcel is chosen to provide unique, yet complementary, elements with the idea of bottling a sum that is greater than its parts. The fruit was hand-picked then whole-bunch pressed for a natural ferment in a mix of barriques, puncheons and foudre (15% new) and left on lees to mature for 10 months.
Succulent, lemon-ginger-apple-led white of savouriness and nutty, dusty finish. Really good flavour, saltiness, minerally charm and loaded with energy, whatever that conjures for you in mind. Lip-smacking goodness here. Elevating this grape well."