2021 Sidewood Chardonnay. Adelaide Hills.

Here’s the thing. Fair to say Chardonnay has been through it. From the buttery horrors of the early 2000s to the don’t call me Chardonnay era of overcompensation which left them thin and insipid. Chardonnay has had more identity crises than a Melbourne uni student on exchange in Berlin. But we digress.

From the largest Certified Sustainable Winery in the Adelaide Hills, Sidewood’s 2021 vintage is not here to apologise for anything. In fact it feels as if it is here to flirt. First whats in the glass is all cool, pale gold tincture of the gods. The nose hits you with citrus curd, white peach and a whisper of toasted hazelnut. It smells expensive but not like it’s trying to get into a club in Toorak expensive. The nose is very generous.

Then the first sip. Stone fruits and lemon zip line across your tongue, chased by a nervy little mineral streak that keeps things upright. There’s oak, yes, but nothing shouty. Just cool confidence and superb balance. And at this price point, just a little proud of itself.

Fermented wild, aged in fancy French oak and polished, it’s got the structure, but it’s not afraid to let its hair down. This is Chardonnay that drinks like someone who knows exactly who they are and doesn’t need to bring a guitar to the party to prove it. To pair it with food is a dream as this thing would elevate everything from roast chook to popcorn. Or both. Together.

Sidewood 2021 is a Chardonnay for people who thought they didn’t like Chardonnay anymore. It’s like bumping into an ex who got hot, read some books, and started composting. You want to dislike it. But you can’t.

RRP $23 (2023 vintage)

https://sidewood.com.au/

SA |2021 | Adelaide Hills | 12.4%