First released in 2008, Salo is the passion project of ‘brothers in vine’, David Mackintosh and Steve Flamsteed. The wine has since garnered a cult-like following for its consistently high quality and the winemaking pedigree behind it. Each year, it’s one of the most lauded Chardonnays to come out of the Yarra Valley. Praised by press and top sommeliers around Australia, it’s also deeply revered by the Yarra winemaking fraternity
Although the minutiae changes, the winemaking ethos has not shifted a great deal in 13 years. Hand-picked fruit was chilled overnight and then whole-bunch pressed to a small tank. The tank was then rummaged and the juice run to 500 litre puncheons (all second and third use) by gravity, with full solids. Wild fermentation finished in late April and the wine was lightly sulphured a few months later. For the first year ever, the entire wine went through malo, due to the cool season and elevated natural acid. No stirring, unfined and bottled unfiltered.
“From the early 2000s-planted Full Moon vineyard in the Upper Yarra. Natural fermentation on full solids, and no lees stirring or mlf. At Salo, Dave Mackintosh and Steve Flamsteed only make one Yarra wine, and the 2022 is another ripper. From a low-yielding vintage, this is slightly more powerful than the 2021 and here you'll find aromas of white nectarines, lemon oil and spice with some marine scents. Intense and richly textured on the palate and balanced by the wine's vibrant acidity and a touch of grip on the finish. By the time this is released in August 2023, this should be singing.” 96pts | Philip Rich | Wine Companion
Vegan Friendly