Vintage ConditionsThe lead up to the 2009 harvest was one of the best on record, with refreshing rains during spring and mild December temperatures. This led to fruit with flavour, intensity and acid structure not seen for a few years.
Grape VarietalChardonnay
Vinification and MaturationThe grapes were harvested in the cool of the night and promptly delivered to the winery where they were crushed into McWilliam's drainers. The best free-run juice was then separated from the skins and cold settled before being racked and warmed to ferment. Each parcel was kept separate and treated individually until the final winemaking stage. One parcel was fermented to enhance varietal flavours, another parcel was fermented on French oak to contribute complexity to the resulting wine and a third parcel underwent malolactic fermentation. Post fermentation the wine was left on yeast lees for a number of months to increase palate weight and soften the wine.
ColourPale to mid straw colour
AromaFresh peach and rockmelon aromas are complemented by some citrus and tropical notes. The fruit is well supported by fine French oak characters of pencil shavings and almonds.
PalateA creamy, tight and refined palate is accentuated by fresh, lively acidity and great sugar balance. Flavours of ripe rockmelon, peach and citrus are supported by subtle undertones of guava and passionfruit.