The 2025 Ribbon Vale Chardonnay opens with white flowers and nuts, pineapple, white peach and brine. In the mouth, the wine is powerful, saline and nutty, with a creamy middle palate and bright acidity. The divide between malolactic fermentation characters and acidity feels balanced and harmonious, while the fruit is both powerful and glossy, framed by toasty oak. This is very good indeed. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink date: 2026 – 2035