Elephant in the Room Chardonnay 2021 (24 x 250mL Cans), Padthaway, SA.

The Elephant in the Room wines are proudly large in scale and expansive in flavour. Ignoring fashion and braving the scorn “wine thought police” Elephant in the Room was created to give consumers exactly what they want – full bodied and mouth-filling wines that deliver maximum pleasure. Each wine is sourced from slow-ripening cool climate vineyards in the Limestone Coast of South Australia and partially matured in French Oak before final blending and bottling by Corey Ryan.

Vineyards

Sourced from established vineyards in the coastal Robe district of the limestone coast. The sheltered aspect and consistent temperatures combine to ensure the retention of natural acidity in the elegant fruit harvested.

Winemaking

Picked partially by hand. The majority of the blend was vinified in stainless steel with high solids and oxidative handling with fifteen barrel fermented with lees stirring. About forty percent was aged in medium toast two and three year old French oak barriques for six months to add complexity before full malolactic fermentation.

Vintage

this was more challenging year with some heat early in the summer and patchy rain events in some parts. The coolness of the maritime influence of the region enabled the fruit to reach full ripeness, although sooner than the year prior, still with bright fruit and crisp acidities. Through great management the resultant fruit is bright and flavourful shows an evenness. A wine to enjoy in its youth, with or without food.