2018 Fighting Gully Road Smith Vineyard Chardonnay

"Sitting atop the golden granite township of Beechworth, amongst stunning gardens, is Mayday Hills, a decommissioned asylum dating back to 1867. The old maintenance workshop of the asylum has been cleared of wood lathes and blacksmithing furnaces, and is now where Fighting Gully Road wines are made.

This is a collaborative space, shared with friend and fellow winemaker, Adrian (A.) Rodda. Adrian and Mark have been sharing a workspace for ten years. It began in a little winery at Smiths vineyard, then newly-leased by Mark, where the two progressed from pressing 10 tonnes of fruit in year one to 125 tonnes in year two. In search for a little more room to move, Mark and Adrian moved the winery to a spacious old apple store in the neighbouring township of Stanley, only a ten minute drive away, but an additional 300m above sea level."

A complex and compelling chardonnay. At its heart is a mineral, beeswax and slatey core that lays the foundation for the wine, contributing an effortless, natural balance. To that, the winemaker has brought ripe, citrus and stone fruits, introduced some spicy oak and a nougat-like texture. Brings both power and delicacy to the glass.