Garagiste Merricks Chardonnay 2023

Garagiste Merricks Chardonnay is a Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay raised entirely in large-format oak.

The barrel choice has changed. Thick-stave, large-format wood now does all the work for these Chardonnays, and new oak has been pushed to the margins. "I see a slower evolution with the thicker staves," Barney Flanders says, "and it takes me closer to the style I am after." The fruit, from 27-year-old vines on grey loam and red ferrosol facing south and south-east, was picked and sorted by hand and pressed as whole bunches into 500-litre François Frères puncheons for a spontaneous ferment on heavy solids. A small part went through malolactic conversion, then nine months on full gross lees.

Punchy and pure, with white peach, lemon curd and a saline, gunflint edge. There is serious drive here, all of it held in check by fine acidity. Serve at 11 degrees. Crab, roast chicken with lemon, or a wedge of Comté.

*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.