Usher Tinkler Reserve Chardonnay 2021

Planted in 1981 this vineyard is now 40 years old. Hand-picked, Whole bunch pressed to tank. Then all lees straight to barrel (Usher mentions there are not alot of solids due to the gentle whole-bunch)  Wild ferment in French oak from J M Mugnier of which 25% new. Low to Medium toast. Not alot of battonage, as fruit from the vineyard has a-lot of weight and flavour already. 5 to 6 months elevage. Bottled just before Christmas.“The Usher Tinkler Reserve Wines were created to showcase single vineyard, quality, varietals of provenance with some edge. A 100% Hunter Valley, single vineyard wine from our 40-year-old Chardonnay vines. Hand-picked, whole bunch pressed and stored in French oak for 6 months after wild fermentation was complete.