Vineyard
Our Chardonnay block was established in 2007 by grafting two acres of our gentle north facing Shiraz block, originally planted in 1998, to the Chardonnay clone I10V1. The site benefits from excellent sun exposure and free draining soils, allowing the fruit to achieve full flavour ripeness while maintaining the natural freshness that defines cool climate Yarra Valley Chardonnay.
Winemaking
The goal for this wine is to craft a Chardonnay that is rich, textural and age worthy while retaining freshness and precision. Fruit was hand picked and whole bunch pressed to tank before the cloudy juice was transferred to French oak barrels, predominantly 500L puncheons with a small portion in new 300L hogsheads, for fermentation with wild yeasts. Malolactic fermentation was discouraged to preserve the wine’s natural acidity and structure. The wine matured in barrel for nine months before being blended in tank and resting on lees for a further three months prior to bottling.
Sensory Analysis
The wine shows a pale gold colour with a subtle green hue, reflecting its youthful vibrancy. Aromas of baked apple, cinnamon spice and white peach rise from the glass. The palate is layered and balanced, combining generosity with elegance, revealing notes of grilled cashews, nectarine and white chocolate. A lively line of acidity carries the wine to a long, lime edged finish. While beautifully expressive in its youth, the wine has the structure and balance to continue evolving and gaining complexity over the next decade.
