Ox Hardy Chardonnay 2023

"Sourced from two sites in the Adelaide Hills and shaped by Hardy’s long association with the region. Green melon and white peach, green almond and beeswax. Gently fleshy, a chardonnay unafraid of flavour but with none of the blowsy excess of days gone by. Impeccable balance, genuine class." 90 points.  Nick Ryan.  The Weekend Australian.

"This Chardonnay from Ox Hardy grew on me I must admit. Give it some time to settle and you'll be rewarded.  Sourced from three Adelaide Hills sites, it saw 100% barrel fermentation and underwent partial malolactic fermentation before seeing French oak for 8 months (35% new).  The oak protrudes a little and steals the limelight early bringing custard tart and caramel drops along for the ride. Vanilla pod lurks in the background. Some time in the glass see a concentration of white-fleshed stonefruit seizing control with the flicker of some freeze-dried mango and an injection of lemon juice. The sustained finish carries a delicate nuttiness on its shoulders. This will age wonderfully but drinks well now if you let it breathe. Top stuff.  Drink to eight years.  92/100"  Steve Leszczynski. qwinereviews.com