This Chardonnay is from Xavier’s 0.98ha block on the vineyard in Maffra, Gippsland. planted in 1988. Xavier calls it the ‘estate’ Chardonnay. The grapes were 100% whole cluster pressed to tank for settling before it was moved to french barriques for fer- mentation. The wine stays in the barrels for a slow fermentation and is stirred once or twice prior to malo. This wine is full of body and richness and is a real showcase of the old vines.

This is a wine of understated power and subtle elegance. It’s built on ripe yellow fruit, Sicilian lemons, bitter-skinned peaches and Golden Delicious apples. There’s a flinty overtone and a smidge of sweet toffee top note in the fruity bouquet. Crisp flavours are infused in a long line of focused grapefruity acidity that cuts seamlessly through a gentle yoghurty mid-palate creaminess. Just a hint of aniseed, caraway and mint to the finish make it a refreshing and savoury proposition. It’s a textural and characterful drop.