2013 Silent Way Chardonnay

I have long been a fan of the Shadowfax wines, especially the wonderfully textured and complex Chardonnays they produce. Matt Harrop is the well known and respected winemaker that has crafted these wines for many years. Matt is also nurturing a side project that focuses on the creation of small batch wines that are characteristic of place and winemaking approach.

This side project is Silent Way, with wines under the label produced from vines planted to the family vineyard in the Macedon Ranges, 550m above sea level.

The 2013 is still very much in it's infancy, and only just released (or about to be released). The wine is a light yellow in colour and displays a nose that is fruit forward with nectarine white peach and a touch of gun flint.

The palate has an elegant mineral structure that is the perfect counterpoint to ripe stone fruits and gentle wood spice. The mid to back palate has understated almond meal complexity and finishes with a fine line of acidity that underwrites future development.

I look forward to seeing the evolution of this wine in years to come, as well as the Silent Way label.