Lambert Chardonnay 2022

Lambert Chardonnay is a wild-fermented Yarra Valley white from a single high block of clone 95 in the Denton vineyard.

Right at the top of Denton's east-facing slope the topsoil runs thin over granite, and the clone 95 planted there ripens earlier and harder than the P58 further down the hill. Small canopies and small berries mean Luke Lambert has to watch sun exposure closely and pick on the day, not the week. Everything after that is deliberately plain: bunches pressed whole, indigenous yeast, no temperature control, an old 2,000-litre foudre, and six to eight months of lees stirring, because he reckons Australian Chardonnay built without lees tastes too much of sunshine. It goes into bottle unfined, unfiltered and barely sulphured.

Ripe citrus and white flowers first, then a chalky, compact middle and river-stone dryness at the end. The acid is lean and keeps everything moving. Serve at 11 to 13 degrees. Good with roast chicken, scallops, a wedge of Comté, or grilled flathead with lemon.

*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.