Fermented and matured in 20% new oak, the 2008 Chardonnay receives no malo-lactic and no batonnage. Revealing moderate to intense aromas of ripe apple, honeydew, peach and cedar, this is a crisp, clean, silken textured Chardonnay with a medium body, good concentration and a long finish. Enjoy it now to 2015. Among the pioneering Margaret River vineyards, Hay Shed Hill’s original vines were established in the early 1970s. The Morrisons purchased the property in 1989 and developed it into a very respectable 18 hectare estate. They sold it in 2000 to a wine investment group after which focus and quality went through a difficult patch. Winemaker Michael Kerrigan took over the property in December, 2006 and set about restoring the original vineyard’s glory. His emphasis is on producing purely 100% estate grown wines. With four vintages now under his belt, the impressive fruits of his labor are demonstrated in this line-up. Importer: The Country Vintner; www.countryvintner.com.au

An elegant wine that is appealing for its pure mineral expression. There’s papaya and lemon fruit here, with a sophisticated caramel undertone that carries over to the medium finish. Drink now or hold a few years for more nuance. ——W.E.(6/1/2010)—— 87