Riposte Wines’ The Katana Chardonnay 2024 is a brilliant, Adelaide Hills‑grown expression from Tim and Nick Knappstein that marries generosity with restraint in a ripe, balanced vintage. Sleek in the glass and strikingly drinkable now, it’s the kind of modern Chardonnay that will shine from the first glass to the last drop.

Bright aromas of ripe yellow peach, pear, honeydew melon and yellow apple glide together, lifted by citrus zest, lemon meringue and a delicate hint of crème brûlée from subtle oak. The palate layers green citrus and lime leaf with a chalky, flinty minerality, backed by a thread of nutmeg‑spiced oak and a fine line of natural acidity that keeps the wine taut and refreshing.

This is a Chardonnay made for the table: match it with richer seafood such as grilled kingfish, scallops, or butter‑poached lobster, or lean into roasted chicken, pork schnitzel, or earthy risotto with mushroom and Parmesan. The Katana Chardonnay 2024 holds its shape beautifully, offering real body and mouthfeel without heaviness, and finishes with a long, clean, mineral‑laced tail.