The word to watch in 2023 was balance. It is the third good – and sometimes great – vintage in a row, but where 2021 and 2022 were roller coasters of one sort or another, 2023 proved to be a smoother ride after a late start thanks to a cold spring. This Chardonnay is a great example of that balance, with fresh apple, lemon, and peach fruit, honeysuckle and a light touch of brioche aromas before a palate that offers restrained power. There’s fruit from Freedom Hill and Hyland to give deep base notes of orange pekoe and creamy texture, but also fruit from high elevation sites Koosah, Sojeau, and Witness Tree to give the wine energy and minerality and a pleasantly crisp, lemony finish.