Smoking Loon Steelbird Unoaked Chardonnay (75cl, 13.5%)

A California Chardonnay at 13.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle, blending 87% Chardonnay with 13% Colombard. It is fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel tanks, with lees stirring during tank ageing to build a creamy texture without oak-derived flavours. Produced by Don Sebastiani & Sons, the Steelbird expression preserves bright fruit character through stainless steel ageing. The lees-stirring technique, known as bâtonnage, gives a creamy, silky mouthfeel. The nose shows orange blossom, honeysuckle, honeydew melon, citrus rind, apricot and pear nectar with steely minerality. The palate has green apple, pineapple, lemon curd and ruby red grapefruit, with tangy acidity and a creamy body. The finish is medium, with citrus acidity and a mineral edge.