2021 Monastery Chardonnay

Made with Calera, Mt Eden and Wente clones. Aged for 14 months in French oak barrels, 50% new, 50% neutral. 450 cases made. Tasted blind. Pale lemon in colour. Light lemon and peach-blossom nose, with an aroma like aged parchment and fresh cream. Nuanced, with a well-balanced vanilla-blossom oak aroma. Fresh, mouth-watering acidity on the palate and light phenolic grip. The oak comes through more on the palate than on the nose. Needs time. (SCJ)