2024 Ochota Barrels Slint Chardonnay
WINEMAKER: Amber Ochota
REGION: Adelaide Hills, SA
VARIETY: Chardonnay
VITICULTURE: Organic
A stunning vineyard with a high altitude of 550m, planted in the 1980s, in the heart of the Piccadilly Valley. Hand-picked march 13th, pressed with full solids straight to a mix of seasoned and virgin Burgundian barrels. indigenous yeast fermentation.
A tightly wound cool climate chardonnay which leads with mouth-watering grapefruit and nectarine. Mealy granny smith apples and a fine tuning of nougat and honeysuckle spice sets the foundation for the svelte texture.
Aromatically evolving between, bee’s wax and meyer lemon rind, the palate is taut and precise and finishes long with powerful elegance.
As with the spring release wines which sold out months ago, this set of wines was a indulgence of time. Given the early start and finish of harvest (the last parcels were pressed before the end of March) Amber, Lucas and Yari had extra time in the cellar to really learn where each barrel of wine was heading. | In Amber’s own words she had, “the luxury of time and peace to taste through the barrels over and over to make considered, relaxed decisions”. This is reflected in the wines, their ease and immediate drinkability, wanting warm sunny park-filled afternoons and fine dining dinners.