2013 Hill Smith Estate Eden Valley Chardonnay

Fruit was sourced from a variety of Eden Valley vineyards with the wine undergoing wild yeast fermentation as well as extended lees contact and regular lees stirring after completion of fermentation. Around 60% of the blend was fermented and matured in new (20%) and 1-2 year old fine grained French barriques to add weight and texture, with the balance of the wine fermented in stainless steel to retain fruit freshness and vibrancy in the final blend.

Elegant and complex, this Chardonnay has an understated richness that creeps up on the mid palate and engulfs the finish

Brilliant pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. The nose opens with fresh nectarine and citrus top notes which are overlaid by funky flinty matchstick characters followed by some biscuity cashew and spice. Very classy, refined and complex the palate has a layered textural feel featuring flavours of white peach and ripe pear intermeshed with struck match stick characters, cashew, faint nougat and subtle mineral. Clean dry finish. Long aftertaste of white peach, cashew, nougat and flinty struck matchstick characters.
Cellar 4-5 years.
Alc. 13%