Mayhem & Co Chardonnay Nice minimalistic packaging

Mayhem & Co. B & W Chardonnay 2009 (Adelaide Hills, SA)
14%, Screwcap, $32
Source: Sample
www.mayhemandcowine.com.au

Single vineyards, wild ferments, minimal intervention and realistic pricing. That’s the story of these Mayhem & Co. wines and it sounds very appealing. Packaging is rather smart too. Big ticks.

As for this wine, it’s a hand picked, basket pressed Chardonnay from the Bowyer Ridge vineyard near Lobethal in the Adelaide Hills. In fact, all I can see that stands between this wine and success is about 6 months, which is how long it’s going to take for the slightly overt oak to integrate.

That oak stamps it presence with a raw wash of slightly gummy vanilla, a vanillan that sits on top of the fruit, rather than being integrated through it. Still, underneath the wood is a rich, yet nicely balanced palate that finishes crisply (if just a fraction full).

Net result? Foundations are there, all that is needed is a little patience for the rest to take proper shape. 17.6/91+