Gaffy & Neal

Darrin Gaffy is the name behind the excellent Principia Wines; Doug Neal has had a varied career in wine, including a side gig selling Sirugue barrels. Gaffy has been buying them for 20 years and, in between oak conversations, Neal would say ‘we should make a chardonnay’. Gaffy & Neal. There’s a ring to it. The project began with the ’21 vintage when they sourced fruit from around Merricks. Only 2 chardonnays will be made, not exceeding 300 dozen, as Gaffy has no more room at his winery. Both have strong personalities – Gaffy prefers a richer, riper style, Neal a flavoursome yet acid-driven chardonnay. The end result is totally complementary. -JANE FAULKNER