John Innes is a 30-year veteran of Coonawarra, with a deep knowledge of it and the surrounding region that he is putting to good use with his Ottelia project. We continue to be impressed by the wines made under the Ottelia label, which consistently deliver excellent varietal purity and value-for-money.
This 2024 Ottelia Chardonnay is made from grapes grown in the South Australia's Mount Gambier wine region. The vineyards are planted in fractured limestone, which forms much of the surface cover in this relatively flat but undulating area lying a few meters above sea level. Underlying the limestone is a ribbon of shallow but fertile soil that allows the vines to develop in this challenging soil profile. The surface limestone is very flinty, contributing to the mineral elements in the wine.
"94 Points. This one had me at hello. It shows off savoury wafts, almond, sea spray, ginger biscuits, proper, also, waxy honeycomb, green apple. Flavours are set to a similar line-up and there’s a little chalky pucker amongst some gloss and shine to texture. It waddles across the palate, gently staining in it, then finishes with all the brine, green herbs and pink grapefruit freshness reminiscent of a fine Paloma cocktail. Utterly delightful, and a cut above. Reminds me of Chablis of yesteryear when minerality was the byword there. Tasted: Sept 25. 12% alc. $34. Screwcap. Drink: 2025 - 2030"- Mike Bennie, The Wine Front.
