Scorpo Eocene Chardonnay 2020

In their words - A blend of clones 95, I10 and P58 from mature vines on the north-/northeast-facing slope of Paul Scorpo’s original vineyard in Merricks North. The grapes were picked on 18th March 2020 at 12.1 Baumé. The fruit was pressed as whole bunches straight to barrel. The must was fermented with indigenous yeasts in 20% new French oak, the balance being 3- to 5-year-old barrels. No malolactic conversion and no lees stirring. Fined with bentonite prior to bottling on 22nd February 2021.

This wine encapsulates finesse and precision. The nose presents lemon and lime, supported by grapefruit and nashi pears. There is also brioche, flint, and florals such as lavender. The palate has a train line structure, long and direct, with fine chalky phenolics layered either side. Lemon pith sits front and foremost on the palate while an oyster shell saltiness brings it home with a refreshingly mineral finish.  Paul Scorpo