Ashton Hills "Reserve" Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay 2022

James Suckling : 95 Points

(7/31/2023) A significant step up from its less expensive sibling. Fine aromas of grated parmesan, toasted hazelnuts and truffle. Shy. Shins and elbows. A barrel cull, following an ambient fermentation and raising in new, one- and two-year-old barrels. Little obvious fruit aromas, although plenty of fruit sweetness. Lots of peat. Time will work magic here, such is the structural lattice of oak, mineral and the long-limbed cadence. Intriguing stuff. Drink or hold. Screw cap.