Ox Hardy Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2023, Adelaide Hills, Australia

Over 36 years, Andrew ‘Ox’ Hardy has built one of the most encompassing and exploratory résumes in Australian winemaking. Initially starting his winemaking career with Petaluma in 1982, Ox left to spread his wings in 1996 before returning in 2004 as Chief Winemaker. In 2018, Andrew left the brand to begin Ox Hardy Wines in proper. As one of Andrew’s favourite varieties, this first release of the Ox Hardy Chardonnay is a clear statement of regional experience, understanding and intent. The fruit was selectively machine picked in late March, the juice then fermented in older French oak barriques and hogsheads, and 20% in stainless steel. The finished wine spent 10 months total in barrel before blending and bottling.