LS Merchants' Butter Barrels is an ode to old-school Chardonnay. Not so old that it turns bright yellow, but ripe, rich and buttery with a generous lick of new French oak. Fruit is picked 3–4 weeks later than their standard Chardonnay release, allowing it to develop that peachy, sun-warmed character that defines the style.

Wild fermented in French oak (40% new) with liberal lees stirring and a full malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for eight months in barrel before being racked, filtered and bottled. The result is a wine with real texture and presence — yellow stone fruit, grapefruit pith, fresh pineapple and jasmine on the nose, giving way to a palate that's rich and full-flavoured, with a gentle acid line providing structure and length. Drink now and over the next 3–5 years.