Soumah Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2013
12.7%, Screwcap, $35

The top Soumah Chardonnay and in resplendent form here. Handpicked, wild fermented, eight months on lees with some barrels allowed to go through malo. Careful balance.

Hay and some banana esters on the nose with popcorn – it looks quite forward as befitting the warm vintage. The carefully creamy palate looks much fresher than the nose –  cxcellent balance on with careful butter malo and sweet oak. It’s definitely a richer, broader style this vintage but I can’t hide the quality here – clean and clever.

Drink early methinks and revel in that tension between creamy winemaking influences and carefully defined fruit. Yes.

Source: Sample
Tasted: July 2014
Drink: 2014-2017
Score: 18.2/20, 93/100
Would I buy it? I’d share a bottle. Probably drink 2/3rds of it thanks to the freshness.
Buy online: Soumah website