Le Stagiaire by Garagiste Chardonnay 2023

Distributors's note: Merricks North forms the backbone of the 2023 release, weighing in at 45% of the blend, followed by Balnarring (35%) and Tuerong (20%). The fruit was sorted in the vineyard and winery before being pressed as whole bunches directly to 500-litre puncheons. The fruit fermented with indigenous yeast with no temperature control, followed by a seven-month maturation on gross lees to build richness slowly. A couple of barrels went through malolactic conversion, and the nicely integrated new oak component stands at 15%. In the words of Barney, the 2023 is "just as delicious as the 2022. There's a touch more freshness due to the cooler season, but overall, there's a great balance between fruit weight and structure." The hallmarks of the season-freshness, finesse and potent flavour-are clear and crystal in the glass. Teeming with citrus, flowers and stone fruits, and balanced by round texture and snappy acidity, there's linear drive and a savoury, salty close. It's a smashing release, on equal footing with the brilliant 2022. At a time when we are calling out for great value, this wine delivers in spades.

Country: Australia
Region: Mornington Peninsula