Fresh aromas of nectarine, lemon, fresh-picked herbs and creamy cashew with some lees character. The wine is delicate and refined as well as intense and penetrating with a long palate. Excellent now and promises more if cellared a few years. Points: 95/100
There's a freshness and vitality running through all the '24 chardonnays, which is pleasing to witness. In a way, the Reserve is reserved, a bit of coaxing needed to show off its touch of lemon and grapefruit, lime blossom, the merest hint of struck match, beeswax and spicy oak. The palate is refined and even, a little textural with fine, cleansing and mouth-watering acidity. I'd like to sit back at lunch with a glass or two of this and then take the rest of the day off. So, I did. Points: 95/100
Great intensity of fruit and of texture here. Some nuttiness, some florals, some custardy characters, but it's all driven by intense, seductive stonefruit with salt and tonic notes inlaid. 'Premium wine has to have power,' winemaker Julian Grounds says, and it has to have longevity. I don't want it to be just an intellectual exercise. This release is essential or inherently elegant but it's also grippy and textured and intense. We don't use the words 'al dente' in relation to white wine often but this wine evokes those words. It has a firmness and a presence to go with its power and length. It's in great shape. It's an excellent Stonier Reserve Chardonnay. Points: 95/100
