Tasting Note – I have tasted this top-end chardonnay from the refurbished Grange several times since it was released in December 2024, most recently during the judging of the 2026 National Wine Awards where a taste only re-enforced what a classic, linear and stylish County chardonnay it is, and how well it is evolving. The lifted aromatics show all kinds of fruit custard, hazelnut, spice and toast, with a slight acetic pinch underneath. It is medium bodied, fleshy and rich with warming alcohol (14.3%), but a solid seem of County acidity provides the backbone. Great texture and balance overall, with excellent to outstanding length. Enjoy this over the next five years.

Backgrounder – The Grange of Prince Edward is a pioneering County winery, that during the COVID era underwent a complete renovation of the vineyards and winemaking with the hiring back of original viticulturalist Mike Peddlesden and neighbouring winemaker Jonas Newman of Hinterland.  The top tier Aurelia series was launched in 2023, essentially a selection from field sorted, specific blocks and barrels. This chardonnay was whole-cluster pressed and racked into 33% new French oak, 33% 2nd year and the rest neutral barrel. Fermentation continued into the spring 2024 occasionally lees stirring. The very best barrels were selected for this small lot bottling.  Only 139 cases were produced.