Frederick Stevenson, Chardonnay 2024
Place: Adelaide Hills, Australia
Grape: Chardonnay
Vibe: Yum
Slow whole bunch press, cool natural ferment in 2/3 barrel, 1/3 stainless. Then 10 months in oak on fine lees, 15% new. New world fruit with an old world sensibility. Pretty sure the label’s a cheeky nod to another Fred back in Beaune… but who’s to say.
From a cool-climate site in the Piccadilly Valley, probably the best spot for Chardonnay in the region. Stunning pithy texture, ripping acidity, and flavours of white peach, lemon, and cinnamon apple. Umami and with a bit of edge. Both good things in my eyes. ABV: 12.8%