d'Arenberg The Lucky Lizard

During the summer months, native Bearded Dragon Lizards sun themselves on the vineyard posts and watch for prey. Occasionally during the grape harvest, these lizards are dislodged and find their way into a load of grapes destined for the winery. Lucky for the lizards, d’Arenberg uses a very gentle Demoisy crusher which allows the lizards to pass through the ordeal slightly shaken but unharmed, returning to the bushland next to the winery. The gentleness of our crusher also plays an important part in retaining the delicate fruit flavours of this Chardonnay from the cool climate Adelaide Hills region.

The nose has a touch of white asparagus, white peach and stone fruit with complexities of roasted almond, tahini and hazelnut. The minerally palate opens with peacherine and nectarine with orange peel and a hint of ginger in the background providing interest alongside the spicy almost lemony French oak. The wine has a melted butter type texture with excellent richness and intensity. The oak is playing a dominant role early in this wines life with the fruit becoming more prominent as the wine opens. As with previous Lucky Lizard Chardonnays bottle age will benefit this wine as it develops further richness and complexity.