Bishop's Peak Chardonnay (75cl, 13.5%)

A 100% Chardonnay from California's Central Coast, produced by Talley Vineyards. The fruit is sourced from cool-climate sites across the San Luis Obispo Coast, including Edna Valley, Arroyo Grande Valley, Paso Robles and the Nipomo area. Fermentation takes place with native yeast in neutral oak barrels and stainless steel tanks, with no new oak used at any stage, and partial native malolactic fermentation adds subtle textural richness. Green apple and flint lead the nose, followed by mandarin orange peel, wet-stone minerality and subtle sweet pea and citrus-pith notes. The entry is zippy and taut, with lime and Pink Lady apple-flesh flavours giving way to honeydew melon and lemon tart, with honeysuckle sweetness and rocky mineral tension. The finish is clean and moderately long, with wet stone, peach skin and a trace of lemongrass.