The Terre Maritime is drawn from several rows of Chardonnay in the top corner of Merricks Grove. Barney Flanders has always felt this parcel could result in a superb and unique Chardonnay—in this part of the vineyard, the 26-year-old vines are rooted in brown soils rather than the more common reddish dirt of the area. The parcel also faces slightly east, offering the vines a cooler, more sheltered aspect. There’s therefore less vigour here than in the rest of the vineyard and the bunches are a touch smaller. As a result, the fruit from this parcel tends to make a wine that has real intensity without forgoing the finesse we associate with Garagiste Chardonnay. It was raised in large, seasoned oak.
This is another fabulous Chardonnay, with a captivating bouquet of orange citrus and orchard fruits, chalky minerality, white florals and perfectly pitched smoky reduction. The palate has a potent core; power, density and fleshy weight are matched by coiled acidity, phenolic grip and a long-reaching, spicy, savoury finish. In a word: exceptional.