Wieninger Chardonnay Grand Select 2022

Forty-year-old limestone vines and careful oak handling, around 35% new French wood across a range of barrel sizes, give this Viennese Chardonnay a polished, layered character. Apricot, lemon curd and oatmeal cream open on the nose with genuine expressiveness. On the palate, that lemon intensity drives through a rich, creamy mid-section, keeping the line firm and focused rather than heavy. Yeasty, chalky and lightly toasty notes weave through without dominating. Still maturing on fine lees ahead of a September 2024 bottling, this is an elegant, well-composed wine that earns its ambitions. Bone-dry.