Garagiste Merricks Chardonnay 2021

Garagiste Merricks Chardonnay is a single-vineyard Chardonnay from the Mornington Peninsula.

One decision shapes this wine more than any other, and it concerns lees. Where many winemakers stir to build texture, Barney Flanders leaves his alone, favouring long, gentle contact over bâtonnage across every Chardonnay he makes. Merricks fruit was picked and sorted by hand, pressed as whole bunches, and fermented on wild yeast with a heavy solids load in François Frères 500-litre puncheons, a fifth of them new. A portion went through malolactic conversion of its own accord, and the wine then sat on full gross lees for ten months. Texture built by patience, in other words.

Expect white peach and grapefruit, a flick of struck match, and the creamy weight long lees contact brings. Acidity is firm and the finish salty. Serve at 11 degrees, and give it a decent glass. Roast chicken, scallops or a good cheese toastie.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.