2022 Patrick Sullivan "Black Sands" Gippsland Chardonnay

The Black Sands Chardonnay comes from the Heywood Vineyard, which was planted in 1990. The soils here are very dark black volcanic sand overlying a bed of limestone, which adds an interesting volcanic smoke element to the nose. Matured in 30% new French oak.for 12 months. 95 Points from Neal Goodwin of James Suckling: "A highly idiosyncratic chardonnay that contorts the paradigm in the very best sense. Black volcanic soils over limestone. Stimulating, intriguing, resinous and extremely complex wine this. Polarizing perhaps for the mainstream drinker. Distinctly medium-bodied yet of incredible power across the palate. Aromas of washed cheese rind, ginger, dashi and pickled lime, suggestive of rock star chenin from the Loire. This wine is bound by a nervous cadence of phenolics and lip-smacking acidity. Jingle jangle. Wonders are surely in store for those who are patient." Last summer we discovered the wines of Patrick Sullivan, and to say we were blown away would be an understatement.