2021 Chardonnay is here
Our 2021 Chardonnay has been released and is now available!
This is a complex, cool climate, barrel fermented chardonnay that retains bright natural acidity from the cooler growing season. Fine and extra fine grained French oak is used to lift the white peach, citrus and floral aromas with maturation on yeast lees adding further aromatic complexity and a silky mouthfeel. Drink with your favourite soft white cheese.
The 2020/21 growing season was predominantly mild with a long ripening period. High rainfall in December increased disease pressure early on. January saw some relief with the arrival of dry warm weather however, the cool wet weather returned in February. Diligent vineyard work to limit disease offered the chance to produce wines with intense varietal flavours and aromas.
Fruit from two high altitude vineyards was used to make this Chardonnay. Our own vineyard, Kyeema estate, is situated in Murrumbateman at 610m altitude and has a mix of granite and volcanic soils. The Barclay’s Wondalma Vineyard, situated in Tumbarumba, sits at 760m altitude and has deep, well drained, decomposed granite soil. Both high altitude vineyards benefit from warm days and cool nights that help to retain natural acidity and develop cool climate fruit flavours.
The grapes were hand harvested between 11.5 and 12.5 Baume. The fruit was whole bunch pressed and racked to French oak barriques, of which 25% were new. Each barrel was racked to retain fine lees and matured without stirring for 8 months. Malolactic fermentation was encouraged to balance acidity, contribute to length and palate weight and increase aromatic complexity.
