Vignerons Schmolzer & Brown 'Thorley' Chardonnay 2022

Schmolzer & Brown produce two single site Chardonnays: 'Brunnen' and 'Thorley'. In 2022, Thorley is my pick of them (although both look fantastic). My note from tasting this in July reads: cool flavours with intense white stone fruit and a driving line of wet stone minerality. Acid is steely but well supported by pristine, fleshy fruit. 25% new oak (demi muid). Such an exciting example of how far Australian Chardonnay has come. - Ches Cook, FWC.

The '22 sees a price rise and, frankly, it's easy to see why. Thorley breaks away from its usual youthful shyness and arrives fully expressive, complex and totally irresistible. Sits firmly, as usual, in the white peach and nectarine spectrum with added grapefruit pith, lemon and some gentle, biscuity oak. But it is the depth of fruit concentration and length that really impresses with beautifully integrated acidity. Drink to 2032. 95 Points. Jeni Port, Halliday's Wine Companion.