Chardonnay (clone I10V1) from our 33-year-old dry-grown vines at Birchs Bay. Due to an early spring frost and the already smaller yields of the 2021 vintage, we were only able to fill three-quarters of a 225L barrique. This was an opportunity to experiment with an oxidative style ‘Sou voile’ Chardonnay inspired by some of the wines from the Jura region in France. The grapes were gently whole bunch pressed into a barrel for fermentation and then aged under a veil on full lees for two years, resulting in a deeply expressive and complex wine.
15 dozen produced
Ned Goodwin MW:
'This is really excellent. Mid-weighted, imperiously intense of flavour, precise and peering into the minimalist zeitgeist without straying from the edifice of poise and immaculate drinkability. Riffs of yellow plum, cardamon pod, spiced quince, turmeric, washed rind cheese and curry leaf. An aldehydic lilt manifests as flaxen tatami straw and a hint of sour Japanese radish before the fruit flows long and clean. Among the finest Chardonnay from Australia. The love and sense of duty to the land is palpable. Thank you.'
Rated 97 points