2019 First Creek Winemaker’s Reserve Chardonnay, Hunter Valley

Careful fruit selection underpins a style of restraint and finesse. Slow, cool barrel ferments, with 8 months lees maturation in puncheons and hogsheads provides a complex backdrop to naturally intense fruit flavours and mineral acidity. Minimal intervention winemaking techniques highlight fruit quality and showcase classic Chardonnay varietal characteristics.

Restrained and taut, despite the Hunter predilection to gush stone fruit scents across the seams. The vanilla pod oak, beautifully appointed as the seat belt. With a workout in the glass, this can't be restrained and yet, it is bloody delicious. Long, detailed, streamlined and yet, oh so generous.

95 points Ned Goodwin MW winecompanion.com.au 1 August 2020