2021 Chardonnay

Thomas Studach's intensely yellow-colored 2021 Malanser Chardonnay opens with an intense and noble bouquet that is reminiscent of the finest cognac and makes you long for a cigar. There are vanilla and very fine oak or toast aromas on the very elegant and balanced nose that is maybe a bit overly perfumed but in a really noble way. On the palate, this is a pure, intense and saline Chardonnay full of lush fruit, tension, texture and very fine tannin grip. The finish is still influenced by the barrel aging (and toasting), but this is doubtlessly an excellent Chardonnay from Malans that needs some years on the bottle to fully integrate its makeup. It's a substantial wine that also would have been beautiful with more discreet oak. 12.8% stated alcohol. Diam cork stopper. Tasted in February 2023.