Snake + Herring Tough Love Chardonnay 2022

Snake + Herring, a dynamic winery based in Western Australia, is known for their innovative approach to winemaking, combining premium vineyard sites with minimal intervention techniques. The Tough Love Chardonnay 2022 is a standout example of their philosophy, offering a balanced and complex expression of Margaret River Chardonnay. Known for crafting wines that showcase both power and finesse, Snake + Herring source the fruit for this Chardonnay from select cool-climate vineyards in the Margaret River region, a premier area for Chardonnay production in Australia.

The 2022 vintage benefited from excellent growing conditions, allowing the fruit to develop full flavour while retaining fresh acidity. The wine is fermented with wild yeasts and aged in French oak barrels, adding layers of texture and complexity without overwhelming the fruit.

Appearance: Pale straw with a subtle golden tint, reflecting its youth and vibrancy.

Aroma: The nose is expressive and layered, with aromas of ripe stone fruits like white peach and nectarine, complemented by citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit. There are also hints of almond, brioche, and a flinty minerality from the oak, giving the wine an added depth.

Taste: Medium-bodied with a creamy, rounded texture. Flavours of peach, lemon curd, and green apple are balanced by a refreshing acidity. The oak influence is present but subtle, providing notes of vanilla, toast, and a slight nuttiness that integrate seamlessly with the fruit. The wine has a distinctive mineral edge, adding precision and length to the palate.

Finish: The finish is long and elegant, with lingering citrus and stone fruit flavours, underscored by a clean, flinty minerality and a hint of toasty oak.

Food Pairing: Snake + Herring Tough Love Chardonnay 2022 pairs wonderfully with dishes that have both richness and freshness. It would be excellent with butter-poached lobster or seared scallops, where the wine’s acidity and citrus notes lift the dish, while its creamy texture complements the richness of the seafood. It’s also a great match for roast chicken with thyme and garlic, where the wine’s subtle oak and stone fruit flavours harmonise with the savoury, roasted elements of the dish.