The 2019 Coddington Chardonnay remains as composed as ever, with nary a hair out of line, and is slowing down for no one. The wine today, six years from its harvest, feels complete, powerful and very long, with roasted peaches, white chocolate, preserved citrus rind, fennel and clove. None of these characters encapsulate the inherent minerality of it, however, and for my palate, that is the highlight. This is excellent.

This Chardonnay is expansive, filling the mouth with its subtle flavors yet retaining a sense of lightness. Its girth is wrapped in a firm belt of acidity that holds everything into a streamlined whole. Chardonnay is a non-aromatic variety and the fine aromas of nectarine and oatmeal combine with a barrel-derived smoky note on the drawn-out finish.

Much more intense straw colour than the 2020 Coddington. Rich and racy on the nose. Very easy to like. Then real tension on the palate. Almost slightly spritz! Very impressive at this stage. A spine of lime with some passion fruit wrapped around it. (JR)