Growing Conditions
Vineyard: From one single vineyard in Karridale, in the southern climes of Margaret River. This cooler part of the region gives flavours of pear and grapefruit, and more finesse and restraint to the palate. Ripening is later, and natural acids retained while varietal characters can develop. This vineyard is planted to the Dijon clones 95 and 96. The rows are planted north/south, and vine spacings are 3 x 1.5 m.
The 2015 season: The ninth consecutive great season for Margaret River. Following a very wet winter, spring was mild, and the rains dried up as summer began. Summer was warm with a few hot spikes, but ample water in the ground kept the vines in good condition. The ripening period of January and February was moderate, with little or no rain - perfect conditions for the vines. Flavours could develop evenly, and there was no threat of disease.
The resultant white whites have strong varietal characters, without any cooked notes. The wines have retained a delicacy while still having plenty of flavour.
Blend: 100% Chardonnay.
Winemaking
These grapes were hand harvested on the 24th of February, and whole fruit pressed to retain texture and delicacy. Fermentation was in French oak barrels, 20% of them new.
Following fermentation, mlf was allowed to start, and run through to completion. The wines stayed in these barrels for a further 11 months, with occassional stirring to suspend the lees. The wine was blended in March of the following year. The wine was minimally fined, filtered and bottled. The wine was then allowed to relax in bottle for a further 24 months prior to being made available for sale.
