The impressive West Cape Howe is owned by a partnership of four WA families, including those of Gavin Berry and Rob Quenby. Grapes are sourced from estate vineyards in Mount Barker and Frankland River. Styx Gully is 100% Mt Barker grown; all the fruit from our best two blocks of Chardonnay on our Langton vineyard. Block 3 had a tiny crop with rich fruit flavours, Block 25 has deeper soils, a better crop and ripened later; it provided the fruit with higher acidity and delicate, finer fruit flavours. Some of the parcels were handpicked and whole bunch pressed; the balance of the fruit picked at night with low overnight temperatures and processed promptly at the winery. Styx is all barrel fermented (approx 40% new) with no malolactic fermentation; the result being a complex, but still fruit driven, style of Chardonnay. “Its all about freshness and energy. Citrus and melon with a muted cashew character on the nose. The palate is finely balanced with penetrating finish promoted by a crisp chalky acidity. Has a little white flower and lime influence adding complexity. 92pts” (Ray Jordan)

On release, the wine has a complex aroma. Lifted yellow peach and nectarine characters dominate. Subtle spice and creamy characters add to the wines aromatic complexity. The palate is restrained and elegant. It displays the same fruit characters of peach and nectarine through-out. The mid and back palates are driven by a gentle line of lemon-like acid. Mountadam was first setup in 1972 by the late David Wynn, a pioneer of the wine industry an founder of Wynns Coonawarra Estate. Wynn made the winery famous on the back of superb cool climate wines, supported by his son Adam (who the winery is named after). Adam held onto the winery until 2002 when it was sold to luxury goods business LVMH. The winery returned to family hands again in 2006 when it was purchased by South Australian farmer and accountant David Brown and his wife Jenni. In late 2015 the Browns acquired the second High Eden vineyard established by Wynn. The two vineyards are dissected by High Eden road. The Brown family are keen to continue Wynn's vision to produce wines of elegance and structure. A focus on sustainable low input viticulture will guarentee the success of the vineyards into the future. From 2015, Helen McCarthy has steered the ship as Chief Winemaker.

Fermented and aged in French oak casks for 10 months. Brilliant very pale straw colour with a distinctive greenish tinge around the outskirts and a watery hue. Aromas of ripe pear and nectarine are followed by hints of dried honey, biscuity oak, citrusy nougat and spice. Mid weighted and carrying a nicely fleshed feel, pear and nectarine fruits are featured over honeysuckle, biscuity nougat and spicy crème brulee characters. Gently creamed medium to long conclusion. Drink over the next 2-3 years. Alc. 12.5%