“At Salo, Dave Mackintosh and Steve Flamsteed only make one Yarra wine, and the 2022 is another ripper.” Philip Rich, winecompanion.com.au Unless you are a sommelier, the Salo name may not ring a bell. Yet, if you are a lover of the crackle and crystalline lines of modern Australian Chardonnay, it is highly likely that you have enjoyed the wines of the dynamic duo behind this project. With 15 vintages under its belt and a host of rave reviews in its wake, Salo’s track record is as pristine as the wine it releases—a single Chardonnay whose demand way outstrips the tiny quantities that are made. With two of Australia’s sharpest Chardonnay minds calling the shots, it is little surprise that Salo has achieved a cult following. Steve Flamsteed made Giant Steps what it is. During his almost two-decade tenure he established the Yarra Valley estate as one of the country’s standout producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It was here that he met like-minded and equally talented David Mackintosh in 2006. Flamsteed and his then assistant winemaker Mackintosh—now a sought-after producer in his own right under his Arfion label—chimed together and helped to propel the twin trajectory of style and site-expression in the Yarra. Just two years after teaming up, what was to become a highly successful side hustle, Salo, was born. The purpose of this one-wine project was to make a Yarra Valley Chardonnay that sat outside some of the perceived stylistic norms of the region; a creative outlet if you like. From premium parcels of fruit, Flamsteed and Mackintosh craft Chardonnay where textural grip and presence are allied to fine-lined precision. It’s a style that has struck a chord; since its first release in 2008, each year, the wine attains broad critical acclaim and has become a ‘must have’ among Australia’s sommelier community. We cannot recommend it highly enough. Get in touch with Paul at pmedder@ifw.com.au if you would like to place an order.