Stonier Chardonnay 2021

Brian Stonier founded Stonier in 1978 and in doing so, became one of the pioneer vignerons on the Mornington Peninsula. Brian’s ambition was to put Mornington Peninsula fine wine on the world stage, and in the late 1990’s the world began to take notice. In 1999 Decanter awarded the Stonier 1997 Reserve Pinot Noir. Best New World Red Wine of the Year. This award was followed by the 2001 International Wine Challenge in London where Stonier won the Trophy for Best Chardonnay and Best White Wine of Show for its 1999 Stonier Reserve Chardonnay. Stonier is now back in local family ownership for the first time since the Stonier family sold the winery in 1999. Three local families; Drummond, McLeod & Thickins acquired the winery, vineyard, and brand in December 2022. The grapes for Stonier Chardonnay were selected from several Stonier long term vineyards, centred near Merricks, Balnarring and Merricks North. With the long history of Stonier on the Mornington Peninsula, most of these vineyards are now in excess of 15 years old, with many more than 25 years old. The mild conditions on the 2021 season allowed riper flavours and balanced acid to occur at lower sugar levels. This meant that this wine has a more savoury flavour profile than the previous vintage. The significant acid shift from the malolactic fermentation has given this wine an extra degree of volume and power. A classic vintage that will mature well into the medium term, developing more honey and biscuit notes with age. Fermented in a mix of French oak puncheons (10% new with a large percentage of one and two year), together with some older barriques, for a total maturation period of 10 months, followed by time in tank after blending. The aromas are layered and complex with a bouquet of cashew nuts, straw, citrus, honey, sourdough and mocha oak. On the palate the creamy viscosity of the yellow peach and honey flavours is balanced by savoury notes of toast and a satiating finish reminiscent of alpine water filtered through stone. The Finer Details Style – White Wine Varietal – Chardonnay Country – Australia Region – Mornington Peninsula, Victoria Vintage – 2021 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 13.5% Other – Vegan Friendly