La Petite Mort Chardonnay 2022

This is Chardonnay for the Chardonnay-inclined. Fermented and aged in new French oak. But don’t assume it’s domineering. These 500 litre puncheon, rather than the typical 250 litre barrels, leave a subtle oaky impression on the wine. (Thanks to a reduced oak per litre ratio.) Instead, lines of citrus - tangelo, pink grapefruit and lemon pith - cut through a round buttery body. Those creamy malolactic flavours shine through, while weighty fruit rings loud and clear.