2022 Charteris Hunter Valley Chardonnay

PJ Charteris takes a steady, detail-focused approach with this Chardonnay. It’s all wild ferment in barrel, extended time on lees, and minimal new oak. The 2022 vintage was long and cool, which meant slower ripening and more time for flavour to develop without losing acidity.

The nose leads with ripe citrus - grapefruit, brown lime, quince - backed by hazelnut, nougat and a subtle hint of struck match. The palate is layered and savoury, with creamy texture, fine acid, and a touch of brine and sourdough through the finish. The oak sits quietly in the background, there for structure, not flavour.

It’s a straight-up, well-made Hunter Chardonnay - clean lines, plenty of detail, and built to drink well now or over the next few years.