2020 Allegra Chardonnay

95 Points - Halliday

The Story: Vintage 2020, like all of 2020, was undertaken under the shadow of Covid-19. Our 'Friends Pick' was cancelled, our vintage crew crushed grapes and pressed wine all while social distancing, and not one vintage dinner was shared. It felt as though the pandemic stole what we value most, our time with friends. Yet covid has also given us something. Covid gave us time. For many this was a lonely time, but for others it was a time to slow down, learn new skills and explore hobbies. We savoured the time with our family, played board games with our children and really appreciated the 'rural' life we lead. Like many people we also took the time to drink some special wines. We think that this Chardonnay is a very special wine, named after our daughter Allegra, who had her own Covid struggle in 2020, to get through her final year of school, with remote learning, and none of the fun. Cheers to Allegra! Ray

"Sourced from the oldest chardonnay vineyard in Geelong at Mt Duneed. 100% new oak (all barrique) and 100% mlf. A no-holds-barred chardonnay with its opulent, bright gold colour and equally opulent bouquet of ripe apricots, grilled nuts and a little brûlée. Just as rich and concentrated on the palate as the nose suggests but with enough acidity to drive this now and well into the future. Finishes nutty and long. An idiosyncratic and non-mainstream wine and a good choice for those that find some mod-Oz chardonnays too skinny and lean." Philip Rich, Halliday, 95 Points