Chardonnay, Block 2, 2022
Block 2 is east facing and produces a generally grippier, more austere style of Chardonay which feels like a big jump in focus over the more immediately charming Bannockburn. Produced from 100% Mendoza clone, it ages for 16 months in 5-6 year old barrels.
critic reviews
The 2022 Chardonnay Block 2 is an athletic wine that knows where the finish line is. Clear and precise with a mouthwatering, sappy finish, it offers restrained fruit flavors of apple, pear and citrus alongside almond croissant notes. While serious, it has a pleasing roundness on the mid-palate that makes it approachable with food from 2024 onwards.
The 2022 Block 2 Chardonnay was bottled, along with the Block 6 Chardonnay, in September 2023, as opposed to the 2022 Bannockburn Chardonnay which was bottled in May of 2023. The same winemaking (aside from a difference in the time spent in oak) across the cuvees serves to highlight the vineyard differences. This Block 2 is far more aromatically restrained and certainly hides the voluminous fruit behind a sheath of mineral phenolics. The wine is powerful but restrained and pure in its way. It's lovely, with a gentle brine note through the finish. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.