Nose
Lime blossom, pear drop, macadamia, creamed honey
Palate
Intense yet delicate, Fuji apple, lemongrass, hint of fennel
Growing Conditions
The 2024 vintage featured an extended warm and dry period following reasonable winter rains and an early bud burst. The season experienced warmer-than-usual temperatures, promoting even and early ripening. Harvesting commenced early and finished before Easter. These conditions resulted in Chardonnay with intense flavour, freshness, and acidity, producing solid wines with generous fruit weight.
Winemaking
Hand-harvested from the western half of the block, fruit was cooled overnight, whole-bunch pressed, then moved to French oak barriques for natural fermentation. To help reduce Clone 95's inherently high acidity and build texture, 55% of the wine went through malolactic fermentation. Bâtonnage was conducted in barrel every six weeks over the entire 9 month maturation period, with final blending in December 2023.
Appearance
Pale straw
Food Pairing
Seafood medley over pasta and creamy lemon sauce