Rosewood Chardonnay 2021

From two estate vineyards, the old and the new, aged for 18 months in a single 2,000L French oak foudre. Made in that early oxidative, put to barrel when turbid style, allowing the lees to nurture and protect, then see it come away on the other side with its backbone, extremities and feelings intact. A most unique way of looking at cool climate chardonnay, dry as the desert, low(ish) acidity and (somewhat) elevated pH, natural, unfined and unfiltered. Feels very much in line with some skin-contact styled whites whereby the wine settles on the palate and leaves some of its resins behind. There is some panache here and also the reality of it being a custom deck built chardonnay. The end result sees a seamless experience form an acquired taste. Drink date: 2024-2026. Tasted August 2024 Score – 89. (Michael Godel, winealign.com)