Dr Edge Clay Chardonnay 2025

There is an undercurrent of Jura here, courtesy of the open-topped amphora. Aromas of honeysuckle, nougat, gardenia, lemon, custard and smoke lead into a pure, soft and expansive palate, with the fruit volume dialled-up compared with the nose: grapefruit, mandarin and white peach. The Jura influence is ever-present, with notes of ginger, cream, popcorn and butter, all carried by a freshening salty tang. This reads a lot weirder than it tastes! More food-versatile than “classic” Chardonnay.

A blend of 60% Derwent Valley, 30% Tamar Valley and 10% East Coast chardonnay, pressed direct to clay amphora, 10% whole cluster, nine months of lees/fruit. Light straw with inviting characters of juicy peach and nectarine, Meyer lemon and custard apple. Hints of clotted cream, soft spice, pressed wildflowers, clover blossom, chicken stock, crushed stone, some distant honeysuckle and sea spray. Expansive, composed and showing a calm mineral resolve, with a waxy, textural, lemon-pure exit. 94 points – Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion