2018 Geelong Chardonnay
$65.00
Vineyard
Grown in a vineyard located in the Moorabool/Barwon valley region north of Geelong, this site was planted in the late nineties. Planted to a traditional wide Australian vine spacing of 1.5m x 2.5m the canopy is managed with VSP. The rows run north-south up and over a slight hump. The soil is mostly a black cracking clay commonly found on the volcanic plains that run west of Melbourne. Sections of the site have significant basalt rock content.
Growing Season
The 2017/2018 growing season in Geelong was characterised as a cool year. Mild temperatures and timely rain events made for easy vineyard management right up till a month before harvest. A late season burst of heat across 4 days at the end of February completed ripening prior to hand harvest on the 10th of March. This comparatively gentle season led to moderate crop yields and importantly the retention of good levels of natural acidity.
Winemaking
The fruit was whole bunch pressed and settled in tank overnight. The next day it was racked to barriques where indigenous fermentation started after 2 days. Movement in and out of a cool-room controlled the maximum ferment temperature to <20˚C The wine matured on yeast lees for 8 months prior to being barrel select blended and bottled.
This wine displays a worthy match of vineyard site and the mighty Chardonnay grape variety.
Independent Review
"Quality Chardonnay from start to finish. It commands the glass in the most effortless of ways. Stone fruit and flint, spice and toast. You’d think it was easy if you didn’t know better. Buy with confidence."
96 Points Campbell Mattinson – James Halliday Wine Companion
(Published on 03 August 2020)