2015 Hill-Smith Estate Adelaide Hills Chardonnay

An Outstanding Adelaide Hills Chardonnay that gets the balance between richness, texture and freshness just right.

Fermentation was carried out by wild yeasts and the wine was matured for 12 months in new French barriques (10%) and 1 year old French barriques (33%) with balance in 2-3 year old French barriques. In order to build texture and complexity the wine also underwent regular lees stirring. Brilliant very pale straw colour with a distinctive greenish tinge around the outskirts and a watery hue. Showing good intensity and complexity the nose features a mix of nectarines, delicate white peaches and citrus overlaid by funky struck match stick notes with biscuity oak and spicy cashew ensuing. Generous with a slight creaminess to the textural feel the palate dishes up a rich yet elegant flavour profile of white peaches and ripe nectarines laced with flinty match stick characters and a trace of dried honey followed by biscuity oak and spice. Perfectly balanced acidity with a dry finish and long refined aftertaste of white peaches, nectarines, flinty struck match characters, a tinge of dried honey and spicy biscuity oak.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc 13.5%