As a young winemaker travelling the globe, the 'Old World' Chardonnay that Ben Riggs fell in love with in the 1980's were described as 'like drinking cold chalk soup', and have inspired him to make this beloved Adelaide Hills Chadonnay. Over the years Ben has been searching for the perfect cold site to make a dry Chardonnay renowned for the purity of its aroma and taste.

Saint-Clar Vineyard Macclesfield Grown by Jon O'Connell Wholebunch pressed into French oak 500 L puncheons 25% new Wild fermented in barrel Fortnightly bâtonnage Natural sediment may occur.

Chardonnay coming from the Bizot Vineyard in the Piccadilly Valley (Adelaide Hills), planted in 1996 at 500M altitude. Hand harvested (clones 76 and 95) on 1 March 2016 and whole bunch pressed (low yields of just 487.5L per tonne). Method Classic - first fermentation and ageing on full lees in old oak for 10 months, second fermentation and ageing in bottle on lees for 42 months. Disgorged September 2020.

Our family's vineyard lies high in the Adelaide Hills, where rows of vines traverse the undulating landscape intersected by ancient gum trees and gentle streams. Our Western Branch vineyard is home to our beloved stone barn and vast botanical gardens, as illustrated on these labels. With abundant wildlife, it is a special place of remarkable natural beauty and the perfect setting to craft this charming and elegant range of Estate Wines. 

The grapes used to craft The Katana Chardonnay were handpicked, chilled overnight, and whole bunch pressed. The juice was rough settled, and transferred to French oak barriques for fermentation. This process led to the creation of a pale straw coloured wine with golden yellow highlights along the edges. This wonderful Chardonnay presents a supple core of citrus blossom and white stone fruit characters, enhanced by mineral notes. The juicy palate contains flavours of bright fruits and French oak supported by crisp acidity, ending in a lively and captivating climax. This alluring white wine can be enjoyed within 5 years from vintage. Drink it with potato soup, roasted vegetable pizza, and chorizo and sweet potato risotto.

Bright white gold with a hint of green, this elegant drop bursts with tropical guava, ripe pineapple, and white peach, wrapped in toasty French oak. A touch of citrus zest and nutty spice rounds out the nose. On the palate, think stone fruits, gentle oak spice, and a flicker of white pepper, all lifted by crisp acidity and a whisper of flinty minerality. Medium-bodied, zesty, and beautifully textured.