2022 White Feather Chardonnay, Macedon Ranges - VIC 750ml
Notes from winemaker Ben Kimmorley:
Following up from the 2021 season, I would class 2022 as a cooler season which has resulted in a finer yet deeply delicious expression of Chablis inspired Chardonnay. As far as winemaking, the 2022 is very similar to the 2021, in terms of indigenous ferment in now 6 year old (neutral) French oak puncheons and was mostly left to its own devices under a watchful eye. The key difference though is more MLF. With 2021 there was barely any MLF to compliment the richness of the fuller bodied 13.6% alcohol. As the 2022 comes in at a more classical 13.0%, I feel the around 50% malo has instilled both weight and textural breadth to the mid palate before returning to the more familiar White Feather acid line & length. While the 2021 was an exercise in power and almost electric brightness with its racy line of acid, the 2022 season I feel has resulted in a more balanced wave of flavour, interest and energy that I feel allows more time to admire the full palate journey. For these reasons I feel the 2022 is drinking beautifully and will continue to unwind positively over the years ahead.
