The 2019 Save Our Souls Skin on Skin Chardonnay is a distinctive and beautifully textural Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay crafted by Jason Searle and William Downie using extended skin contact — a rare technique for Chardonnay that brings structure, savoury complexity and depth. Sourced from the Adina Vineyard in Tuerong, the wine is made from P58 Chardonnay clone, with whole bunches left intact for 21 days of maceration before pressing and natural fermentation. Produced with minimal intervention and only a small sulphur addition at bottling, it reflects SOS’s philosophy of creating characterful, site-driven wines with individuality and texture.
The nose reveals ripe stone fruit, baked apple and pear layered with curry leaf, cardamom, citrus peel and earthy spice. On the palate, it is rich, savoury and beautifully textured with noticeable tannin from the extended skin contact, balanced by vibrant acidity and natural freshness. Layers of peach, orchard fruit, spice and subtle mineral notes unfold with complexity and persistence, finishing long, structured and gently phenolic with a distinctive orange wine influence while still retaining Chardonnay purity. Critics and retailers consistently highlight its savoury character, texture and impressive length.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2019 Save Our Souls Skin on Skin Chardonnay is a fascinating and seriously food-friendly skin-contact Chardonnay — textured, savoury and packed with personality. Ideal for adventurous Chardonnay drinkers or lovers of orange wines looking for something refined and complex. Perfect with grilled eggplant, tahini dishes, roast pork, hard cheeses, mushroom-based dishes or modern Mediterranean cuisine. Drink now while showing excellent texture, complexity and maturity.
