2022 Geoff Merrill Pimpala Road Chardonnay

A legend is the only word apt for the remarkable winemaker Geoff Merrill. His vineyards are located not far from Adelaide in McLaren Vale, where a ridge and a cool sea breeze provide some relief. Geoff has his own unique approach: he makes his wines not for the short term, but for the long term. He doesn't shy away from oak aging, as long as the wines can handle it. Also remarkable is that Geoff allows his wines to mature before releasing them. Reserve wines are only available six years after harvest, and estate wines three years after harvest. This is partly due to the presence of fine acidity, which gives the wine a rich fruit structure and enhances its complexity. The Reserve Shiraz has received the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy, the highest honor for a Shiraz in Australia.

The Geoff Merrill Pimpala Road Chardonnay has a beautiful light straw yellow color. The nose reveals ripe citrus fruit with hints of Galia melon, a delicious butterscotch, and vanilla from the oak. The palate offers ripe acidity, a creamy texture, and a vanilla finish. This is a lovely, full-bodied Chardonnay made for aging and definitely one for those who appreciate a full, creamy Chardonnay with that familiar buttery note.

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