Ballard Lane 2022 Chardonnay

From a winemaking standpoint, this is 100% Chardonnay that was night-harvested to preserve freshness, fermented cool in stainless steel with partial malolactic fermentation, and aged briefly in American oak to add subtle richness without overwhelming the fruit.

The wine opens clean and crisp on the nose, offering aromas of caramelised apples, crème brûlée and toasted almonds. On the palate it is medium-bodied with a velvety texture, delivering orchard-fruited flavours of golden apples and ripe pears and a deft hint of creamy caramel and soft baking spices from oak.

In short, the 2022 Ballard Lane Chardonnay balances bright orchard fruit clarity with a touch of oak-derived creamy complexity, making it approachable yet layered.