An impressive Margaret River Chardonnay from the Ribbon Vale Vineyard, handpicked fruit was delivered to the winery for hand sorting and whole bunch pressing. Fermentation began in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperatures before, at the halfway point, the wine was transferred to French oak barriques, 32% of which were new, to complete that fermentation, and also malolactic fermentation. The wine spent nine months in oak for maturation. Gleaming gold in colour, the nose exhibits notes of nectarines, peaches, grapefruit pith, a flick of well-integrated oak and oatmeal. A slightly riper style, the wine is richly flavoured and the texture seamless. Of medium length with a minerally backing, this will provide attractive drinking for at least the next half dozen years, longer for those with patience.