2023 Henty Chardonnay
$55.00
Vineyard
This single vineyard wine is grown in the ultra-cool Drumborg sub-region of Henty, in far south-west Victoria. It is planted in degraded volcanic buckshot topsoil over a permeable cracking red clay base. The vines are VSP trained and grow with moderate vigour. Far enough inland to experience continental-like cool nights, the site is also significantly influenced by its proximity to the Great Southern Ocean.
Winemaking
The fruit was whole bunch pressed and settled in tank overnight. The following day it was racked to French oak barriques, around 30% first use, where indigenous fermentation started after two days, with a long and slow ferment, maintaining cool temperatures below 16˚C. When dry, barrels were regularly tasted whilst going through malolactic fermentation allowing each barrel to find its natural balance between depth and acidity. Due to the inherent power of the vineyard, less malolactic is preferred from this site. The wine matured on yeast lees for 8 months before the best barrels were selected, blended, and bottled.
Independent Review
"Whole-bunch pressed; partial mlf and barrel fermented, matured in 30% new oak. A really bright green gold. Pure fruited and precise with its bouquet of perfectly ripened white peach, lemon verbena and a hint of white flowers. The oak has been swallowed up by the fruit. Just as good on the medium-bodied, chalky textured and nicely structured palate. Finishes saline and long. A lovely wine and the pick of the three regional chardonnays, for me, this year." 97 Points, Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion, Published 16 May 2025