Ben Haines Chardonnay 2021

Ben Haines is a small, family-run producer in South Australia, a cool-climate region renowned for expressive, high-acidity white wines. The vineyards are planted on gently sloping soils with a mix of clay and sandy loam, which provide excellent drainage and promote elegant fruit character. The estate focuses on sustainable viticulture, and the wines are vegan friendly, highlighting purity and minimal intervention.

The Chardonnay is crafted from carefully selected fruit, hand-harvested and gently pressed before fermentation in stainless steel and a proportion in neutral oak to retain freshness while adding texture. The wine spends several months on fine lees to enhance mouthfeel and complexity. On the palate it shows citrus, green apple, white peach and subtle floral notes, balanced by bright acidity. It pairs beautifully with shellfish, poultry, creamy pastas and lightly grilled fish.