2019 Domaine Rewa Chardonnay

"Bright, pale straw-yellow, even colour throughout. The nose is gently full and elegant, penetrating aromas of stonefruit, melon, citrus, along with mineral melded with subtlely well-proportioned custard, raw nuts and spices. Medium-bodied, lush fruit of peach, nectarine and melon fills the palate, lemon sherbet and zest added freshness. Flavours grow in intensity, unfolding refined toasty oak with white spice and a little cream linger to a long, sustained refined finish.

The wine is elegant and delicate; crisp acidity thread flows smoothly with chalky phenolic, adorn by a little creaminess and reflecting fruit's purity. This harmonious and sleek Chardonnay with fruit's purity, lacy acidity and a chalky mineral mouthfeel is already delicious. Match with whitebait fritters and soft cheese over the next 5+ years. Handpicked Mendoza and Clone 15 Chardonnay, whole bunch pressed to tank, settled overnight, then transferred to French oak barriques for wild fermentation, 13.5% alc. Aged in oak for 9 months, 36% new oak, MLF occurred, and lees stirred weekly. No fining." 19/20 pts (95 pts) Mar 2021 - Raymond Chan