Using hand-picked Clone 15 Chardonnay grapes from the vineyard block next to the winery – in a great vintage. Translucently pale and a lemon-green colour in the glass. Grapefruit, satsuma, lemon zest, nectarine, almond, tarragon and a wisp of vanilla in the perfume. Dry and medium-bodied, the palate is led by crisp acidity and fruit flavours that echo the nose. Quite silky and textural, with an ‘al dente’ quality taking in hints of tannin and phenolics. Oak makes its mark deep into the palate, with spice and structure adding depth. Youthfully tense now, but it opens up and drinks well, and should reward careful cellaring. 92pts
Paritua ‘Willow’ Chardonnay 2024
