2015 Mount Mary Chardonnay

Gleaming light green-gold, this is no pale and wan lover, its embrace intense, white peach just in front of grapefruit. As one would expect from Mount Mary, the oak has been as important in shaping texture and mouthfeel as imparting flavour. All up, an icon for Yarra Valley chardonnay. 
97 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion

The winemaking team at Mount Mary aims to make a Chardonnay with great length, which reaches a balance between richness and elegance. While some techniques are borrowed from the Burgundians, there are some departures from traditional practice in response to local factors, which ensure a unique wine. The most notable of these is that our Chardonnay does not undergo malolactic fermentation, as our local climate leaves the fruit with ideal acidity when it is picked. Chardonnay is matured in 30% new French oak barriques with the remainder in older barrels and large casks (1500L). The entire production is barrel fermented. Grape solids are included to give the wine texture, and lees stirring is conducted to add complexity and body. The Chardonnay is matured in barrel for 11 months prior to bottling.

release tasting notes:
There are few words to describe this wine other than true Mount Mary Chardonnay. The nose shows some toast from French oak, a slight hint of reduction, grapefruit, nectarine and an array of spices. The palate is well balanced with the various parts of this wine seemingly already well integrated. There is an underlying intensity and power to the palate. A fresh line of acidity helps to give tremendous length. This wine will develop beautifully in the cellar.