2019 Geoff Merrill Pimpala Road Chardonnay

A legend, that is the only correct word for the striking winemaker Geoff Merrill. The vineyards can be found not far from Adelaide in McLaren Vale where a ridge and a cool sea breeze provide some relief. Geoff has special ideas of his own: he does not make his wines for the short term, but for the long term. He also does not shy away from aging in wood, as long as the wines can bear it. Also very remarkable is that Geoff lets his wines first drink before they appear on the market. For example, the reserve wines are only available 6 years after the harvest and the estate wines 3 years after the harvest. This is partly possible due to the presence of fine acids that give the wine a rich fruit structure and enhance the complexity. The Reserve Shiraz has received the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy, Australia's highest honor for a Shiraz.

The Geoff Merrill Pimpala Road Chardonnay has a beautiful light straw yellow color. Ripe citrus fruit in the nose with some Galia melon, a nice butterscotch and vanilla due to the use of wood. Ripe acids in the mouth, a creamy structure and vanilla in the aftertaste. This is a nice firm Chardonnay made to be drunk at an older age and certainly one for the lover of a full, creamy chardonnay with the famous butter.

FACT: The Pimpala Road is named after the location of the house, the historic Mount Hurtle winery which is located on Pimpala Road.