Xavier Goodridge Avon Chardonnay 2023

This Chardonnay is from Xavier’s 0.98ha block on the vineyard in Maffra, Gippsland. planted in 1988. Xavier calls it the ‘estate’ Chardonnay. The grapes were 100% whole cluster pressed to tank for settling before it was moved to french barriques for fer- mentation. The wine stays in the barrels for a slow fermentation and is stirred once or twice prior to malo. This wine is full of body and richness and is a real showcase of the old vines.

This is a wine of understated power and subtle elegance. It’s built on ripe yellow fruit, Sicilian lemons, bitter-skinned peaches and Golden Delicious apples. There’s a flinty overtone and a smidge of sweet toffee top note in the fruity bouquet. Crisp flavours are infused in a long line of focused grapefruity acidity that cuts seamlessly through a gentle yoghurty mid-palate creaminess. Just a hint of aniseed, caraway and mint to the finish make it a refreshing and savoury proposition. It’s a textural and characterful drop.