Compared to heavier southern French reds
structural tannin
hand harvesting of fully ripe fruit
A lesson in elegance and restraint
The Chardonnay grapes are handpicked
Balnaves Chardonnay (Box of 6) France. Compared to heavier southern FrenchIt opens with aromas of white peach, nectarine, lemon curd, and soft florals, layered with almond meal and gentle toasted spice from the restrained oak. Compared to richer, warmerregion Australian Chardonnays, Balnaves style is more linear, more citrusdriven, and more elegant, shaped by Coonawarras cool nights and terra rossa soils. On the palate, it is mediumbodied, fresh, and textural, showing flavors of stone fruit, citrus, and subtle brioche,