Chardonnay 2023

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Style: Drawing on winemaking techniques learnt in Slovenia, this chardonnay explores the tension between tart, crisp fruit and extended lees ageing. Time in oak and regular stirrin g has imbued subtle cream and brioche characters, balanced by vibrant acidity and a tropical lift. It's complex and nuanced, with layers of flavour unfolding on the palate. Vineyard: Set near the Otway Ranges, the vineyard sits on south-facing slopes and is the highest-elevated vineyard in the Geelong region. The combination of altitude and temperate coastal influence results in a cooler growing season and extended ripening period, allowing for greater phenolic development while retaining natural acidity. Soils are predominantly black cracking clay, with smaller pockets of sandy loam. Winemaking: The fruit was harvested by hand and whole-bunch pressed immediately. The juice was chilled overnight, allowing separation of premium juice from heavier solids, before undergoing fermentation at cool temperatures between 15–18°C. Midway through fermentation, the wine was transferred to French oak to complete ferment and mature on gross lees. The wine remained in neutral French oak and on lees for 24 months, with bi-monthly stirring to build texture and complexity. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Show more