The 2019/2020 season was the first cool one since 2015, which seem counterintuitive when you reflect back on the news of Australia’s terrible fire season.

The season started well, with moisture in the soil and moderate weather conditions. Spring was unseasonably cool, with strong westerly winds resulting in some reduction of fruit set. The drought conditions seen farther north extended south, bringing the most rapid drying the vineyard had seen. Despite this short burst of extreme heat (up to 43°C), and effectively pre-veraison, it then cooled down significantly. Usually, January and February bring our hottest weather, but on this occasion mild conditions persisted throughout the ripening time and lead up to harvest. 43°C soon after Christmas, and effectively preveraison, it cooled down significantly after that. Usually, January and February bring our hottest weather, but on this occasion mild conditions persisted throughout the ripening time and lead up to harvest.

100% wild yeast fermentation in French oak (10% new) followed by a further 10 months in used oak barriques.

Tasting Note: Comparable with a fine Santenay Blanc, this Chardonnay exudes a mineral complexity and delicious restraint. Generous on the nose yet layered and complex on the palate.

Origin: Mornington Peninsula, Australia

Blend: Chardonnay