2023 Chardonnay $55.00
The inspiration for this wine is easy. Chardonnay loves Margaret River, and Margaret River loves Chardonnay. Our love for Chardonnay is unconditional, and with love comes great respect – a respect for Margaret River as one of the best locations to grow Chardonnay in Australia. Along with a respect for the individual traits of the differing Chardonnay clones grown in the region, the subtle variance of terroir, and particularly the vintage conditions which we’re dealt. Ultimately this combines to a great respect for the critical role of winemaking great fruit into brilliant Chardonnay.
Stylistically, we say the 2023 Chardonnay is a contemporary Margaret River Chardonnay with a classical edge.
We ship 6 and 12 packs! Feel free to mix and match, or stock up on your favourite at check out.
The inspiration for this wine is easy. Chardonnay loves Margaret River, and Margaret River loves Chardonnay. Our love for Chardonnay is unconditional, and with love comes great respect – a respect for Margaret River as one of the best locations to grow Chardonnay in Australia. Along with a respect for the individual traits of the differing Chardonnay clones grown in the region, the subtle variance of terroir, and particularly the vintage conditions which we’re dealt. Ultimately this combines to a great respect for the critical role of winemaking great fruit into brilliant Chardonnay. Stylistically, we say the 2023 Chardonnay is a contemporary Margaret River Chardonnay with a classical edge.
2023 proved an extended yet very rewarding vintage in the Margaret River Wine Region, and one that will go down as an excellent, almost unicorn vintage. Optimal, dry weather conditions paired with the absence of any significant climatic challenges or disease pressure set the scene for a moderate season, ideal for gentle, consistent ripening across all varieties. Winter temperatures were lower than average, which made for a quick senescence and sound dormancy for the vines. There was markedly less-than-average rain; however, the vineyards received sufficient supply to recharge soil moisture levels, paving the way for a promising growing season ahead.
The growing season began with a late budburst after a relatively cold winter that pushed vine development back by about 2-3 weeks. Spring saw less rain and cooler conditions than usual, resulting in a slow start to canopy growth and an extended flowering period for early bloomers like Chardonnay. January brought consistently warm, sunny days, which saw vines start to catch up nicely on their development. February was dry with plenty of sunshine and no extreme heat, provided perfect final ripening conditions prior to harvest mid-month. The cold southerly breezes blowing off the ocean and cool mornings, evenings and nights helped retain natural acid in the Gingin clone Chardonnay.
The hand harvested fruit was refrigerated for 24 hours and cooled down before being whole bunch pressed direct from press to an even mix of new, one year old and two year old French oak barriques and Hogshead barrels for natural fermentation. It matured in barrel on solids for 9 months with some gentle stirring to build some texture. Some barrels started creeping through MLF prior to winter and were cut off based on taste to provide a very small portion of MLF to further build some texture to this wine. The best barrels from these two parcels were selected in November and blended together and finished in December. The wine was bottled just prior to Christmas.
In a glass the wine presents with a vibrant straw tinged yellow. The nose is flinty with lifted intense varietal characteristics of citrus and stone fruit combined, and complimented by pretty white flowers. The palate expresses a minerally liveliness of stone fruit, with some oyster shell, and saline notes with well-balanced natural acidity and complexity.
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Alcohol13.0%
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Drinking Best2024 - 2034