2022 Montalto Chardonnay

95 POINTS

Jane Faulkner - Halliday Wine Companion

Oh, yes, a glass of this makes everything better. Full of struck match and citrus, grilled blanched almonds and mouth-watering acidity. The palate builds with flavour and depth, but the gossamer thread of acidity leads to a lingering finish.

94 POINTS

Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

Sourced from the 1986 estate plantings. 100% malolactic fermentation. Winemaker Simon Black sent along a postcard with eight carrots on it, with a note saying 2022 was miniscule in terms of quantity, but very high in quality. I’m not sure if this is some sort of metaphor of a sexual nature, or maybe he thinks I’m a donkey. The postcard was addressed to Gary and Mike, so maybe a combination of the two. Still, nice carrots. Grapefruit, nectarine, lemon zest, a flicker of aniseed, a little spicy cedar/vanilla oak, and almond meal.  It’s tight and zesty, a lively cut of acidity through creamy almond, plenty of flinty texture, and no shortage of intensity and energy through to its long finish. There’s a little lemon peel in the mix too, which I always enjoy. Excellent.

93 POINTS

Ned Goodwin - JamesSuckling.com

Broader and of greater intensity than the Pennon Hill sibling. More phenolic chew at the seams, finer detail, richer stone fruit allusions and a creamier, nuttier core, articulated effortlessly across a waft of vanilla pod oak. Fine mid-weighted chardonnay.

93 POINTS

Angus Hughson - Vinous

The 2022 Chardonnay jumps straight out of the blocks with an explosive mix of nectarine and ripe pear aromas with touches of gun smoke and a slick veneer of nutty oak. Juicy, tangy flavors follow suit, with a creamy mouthfeel punctuated by chalky acidity. Good overall tension and poise deliver a classy finish.

92 POINTS

Erin Larkin - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2022 Chardonnay is floral and fruity on the nose, with white peach, jasmine, crushed nuts, a hint of flinty reduction and layers of soft leafy herbs. In the mouth, the wine is svelte and concentrated, with loads of flavor up front. It is toasty and rich and tapers off to a quiet finish. This is a nice wine, layered with nougat and marzipan. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.