“One privilege of tasting and writing about wines selected for The Wine Companion is discovering a hitherto unknown winemaker, winery and/or wine that blows your mind. Now i mean no disrespect to wineries previously selected for ‘Best New Winery’, nor do i want to paint myself into a corner in the years to come, but people such as owner-winemaker Shaun Crinion of Dappled Wines come around once in a metaphorical blue moon.” - James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion

A stunning Chardonnay with spine-tingling, zesty fruit, a hint of smoky reduction, a wisp of new oak (20%) and lots of lime, grapefruit and cold-pressed citrus oil. It's fresh and bright, but there's richness and concentration too, which is always a clever conjuring trick to pull off. 13% alc. Partial malolactic fermentation. Drink now-2030.

Press review:

The Wine Companion: "A blend of Upper and Lower Yarra vineyards. Zero battonage and left on lees for 10 months. A lively green gold. Gee, this smells good! Aromas of stone fruits, hazelnuts and some struck match leads onto the saline, linear and long palate. Will be even better 6–12 months from now." 95 points

JancisRobinson.com (previous vintge): “A touch of struck-match here, as well as a touch of lime leaf and pure citrus underneath. Grapefruit – fruit and pith. Subtle chewy texture, plenty of spice and creaminess but not especially oaky. Very much in the reduction style but not overdone. Lean and sinewy but not austere. Deep and long, stylised but not OTT. Should age well. Drink now-2030.” 17+ points