2014 Chardonnay
2014 looks like another wonderful vintage for the Margaret River region. Average maximum and minimum temperatures were up to 2⁰ warmer than historical averages and several records were broken: the month of June was the driest in recorded history for the South West land division and the lack of rain continued through July. August, however, recorded a new record of over 200mm rain, while at the same time experienced the second highest minimum temperature recorded. The wet weather and warmer temperatures continued into Spring.
Summer temperatures provided a warm, dry ripening period allowed for near perfect conditions for the chardonnay and hand-picking was completed by 23rd February.
Vinification
On delivery to the winery the whole bunches are pressed to tank for brief settling before being racked to barrel. 100% barrel fermentation took place using wild as well as inoculated ferments. Barrel maturation on lees and some battonage has been employed to enhance texture. The wine was matured in French oak barriques, 40% new, for nine months.
The final blend of Chardonnay clones is approximately Mendoza, 63% & clones 76, 95 & 277, 37% .
Alcohol is 13.5%. The wine was bottled with screwcap closures in February, 2015.
Tasting Notes
Cashew, butter biscuit, melon, white peach with hints of nutmeg vanilla creamed honey. Concentration with fruit flavours of citrus melon stone fruit, almond meal and beautifully integrated oak, structured yet fine with great length of flavours.
Reviews
Ray Jordan | 96 Points
“Another impressive chardonnay. Starts with good fruit from an excellent vintage but then the winemaking takes over and it has been well managed. Whole-bunch pressing, all barrel fermented and some wild yeast with a little lees stirring. There is a mix of clones here as well as the traditional Mendoza. Has a flinty finish with deep butterscotch and mealy fruit in the middle palate. A trace of blue cheese complexity. Love it. Drink to 2028.”
James Halliday Wine Companion | 96/100
“An exciting chardonnay that portrays the synergy between the clones and the place, purity and elegance in a symbiotic union that opens new doors every time you come back to it. Drink to 2030.”