Lambert Crudo Chardonnay 2022

Lambert Crudo Chardonnay is a low-intervention Yarra Valley Chardonnay from the lower slope of the Denton vineyard.

Down where the granitic sand deepens over heavy granite boulders, the fruit ripens a little later and with less muscle than the clone 95 block above. Whole bunches went to the press, wild yeast took over without temperature control, and malolactic ran through alongside the alcoholic ferment, which is the point of holding sulphur back at the start; Luke Lambert considers that overlap central to how his Chardonnay builds complexity. Three to four months in a 2,000-litre French foudre followed, then bottling with no fining, no filtration and a minimal dose. Clarity, not polish, is the goal.

Tangy citrus, summer florals and a flicker of reduction, then pulpy fruit and flint over a lithe, savoury frame. Bone-dry and restrained. Pour it at 11 degrees. Try it with grilled sardines, a leek tart, chicken schnitzel or young goat's cheese.

*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.