Nose
Astonishing intensity and complexity. Aromas of stonefruit, cashew, white flowers, honey,
crème brulée and hay combine with mealy nuances and struck flint, cascading from the glass.
Palate
The palate is savoury and deep, gently viscous with a soft round mouthfeel, showing nutty
figgy flavours with a citrus twist. Perfectly integrated fine grained oak sits gently in the
background providing a gentle seasoning of spice and hints of custard. Natural acidity is fine,
bright and on point, providing a spark of grapefruit. Restrained and with great finesse, the
wine has line, and impressive persistence of flavour.
Growing Conditions
A wet and warm spring extended well into December and made for a late start to a gentle
summer. These wet conditions coincided with flowering and contributed to poor fruit set
and consequent low yields in most varieties. A warm March allowed for full ripeness in white
varieties and, after a cool week in early April, the Indian summer returned and remained well
into May. Albeit protracted, the vintage finished in warm and dry autumn conditions that
proved near perfect for ripening. The resulting white wines show an abundant array of
varietal expression which is both complex, rich and pure.
Winemaking
All the individual vineyards that contribute to the Stella Bella Chardonnay are vinified
separately. Most batches were hand-picked at between 12.0 to 13.3° Be and cooled
overnight before whole bunch pressing to extract free run juice only. Fermentation occurs in
a combination of new and older Burgundian oak, with a maximum of 15% new oak in each
batch. Fermentation temperature is controlled between 25°C to 26°C and the lees are stirred
regularly from the end of fermentation and throughout the malo-lactic fermentation. After
12 months in barrel, the wine was blended to tank and held for 6 months prior to fining,
filtration and bottling
Appearance
Limpid white gold with green flashes
Food Pairing
Pork chops cooked with pears.
