2021 Ministry of Clouds Chardonnay

Sourced from a pioneering vineyard on the East Coast of Tasmania, planted in 1979, this superb Chardonnay was matured in older French oak barriques for a period of 9 months with lees stirring taking place in the early part of its maturation to build texture and complexity. Brilliant pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Intense white peach and nectarine scents fill the nostrils with some dried honey, delicate cashew, citrusy nougat and subtle gun flint notes also evident. Rich and concentrated, fleshy white peach and nectarine fruits overlay a back drop of dried honey, cashew, delicate nougat and traces of gun flint. Ample textural volume finishing with beautiful freshness and a long cream tinged aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12.9%

Other Reviews….
Hand picked, whole-bunch pressed to used French barriques for fermentation and nine months on lees. This is the usual approach, focusing on the purity and length of the grapefruit-driven fruit and lowering the cost of production. This might have resulted in some reductive funk, but it's as clean as a whistle. Drink by 2029.
96 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion