Paladin Hill Chardonnay 2023
WINEPILOT | 96 POINTS
COLOUR
Medium green straw, with subtle green tinges.
NOSE
Lifted limes with some brioche, curd, and subtle lemon pith.
PALATE
Shows finesse and concentration but with a level of restraint and minerality. Juicy limes and brine -like characters dominate the palate to produce a creamy, savoury style with a pure lingering acidity. An outstanding Chardonnay, Chablis-like in style, from an outstanding year in Margaret River.
WINEMAKING
This wine is sourced from Wills Domain vineyard blocks seven and thirteen plus 25% from the Wylco vineyard south of Witchcliffe. All blocks were hand-picked in the cool of the morning and whole bunch pressed directly to barrels and fermented with natural yeasts. Following nine months on lees the barrels were racked fined and filtered before being bottled. This year we introduced 25% malo-lactic fermentation to increase the complexity and mouthfeel of the wine.
FOOD PAIRING
Seafood plate with grilled marron, crayfish shellfish, or a grilled rich fish such as salmon, tuna, or cod, in a creamy pasta.