Experience the captivating journey of Zaria's 2022 Chardonnay, a remarkable expression of Lesley’s Vineyard and our unwavering commitment to excellence. This vintage marks a significant milestone as it represents our inaugural Chardonnay sourced entirely from our cherished Chardonnay block. Planted in 2019, the "548" clone, though humbly named, reveals depth and character. Hand-harvested on the 25th of February, each grape was gently whole-bunch pressed, yielding only 550L per tonne, before resting overnight. Following this process, the juice was transferred to French oak barrels, where it was nurtured by a symphony of five distinct yeast strains, enriching its complexity. Natural Malo-lactic fermentation unfolded over months, leading to a wine of exceptional depth and structure. This Chardonnay tantalises the senses with vibrant grapefruit, peach, and lemon zest notes, balancing intensity with an irresistible drinkability that defines Zaria Wines. While delightful now, this wine promises graceful ageing, inviting you to savour its essence for years to come.
94 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit 92 Cameron Douglas MS 4.5 stars Michael Cooper