2007 Chardonnay

Vintage Note: The 2007 vintage will be remembered for the driest winter and spring on record. Early recognition of the severity of the drought triggered supplementary irrigation as early as bud swell. The environmentally sensitive use of recycled water to supplement underground water resources allowed the establishment and maintenance of balanced canopies. Yields were well down, due to small berries and loose, open bunches. Rain in January caused some minor berry splitting but breathed new life into the vines. Split berries shrivelled away cleanly and the only detrimental effect was on yield. Steady ripening has resulted in highly aromatic and intensely flavoured fruit, showing balanced acidity and textured tannins.

Tasting Note: Light straw in colour, with a hint of green. Only the best McLaren Vale free run chardonnay is used to create this delicate and well balanced wine. Nuances of citrus with rich peach,pear and melon flavours can be found on both the nose and palate. With partial barrel fermentation, some use of indigenous yeast and 4 months on lees in new French oak, a creamy, cashew like complexity enhances the stone fruit and citrus flavours. Enjoy now or cellar for up to 3 years.

Winemaker Notes: The Chardonnay fruit is harvested in the cool of the night and the free run juice quickly separated from the skins. The juice is naturally cold settled ( using no enzyme ) and racked to ferment. 50% of the wine completes a steady fermentation at 12 - 18˚ C (  54 - 65˚ F ) in stainless steel. The balance is fermented in new, fine grained French oak hogsheads and is lees stirred weekly during barrel maturation. This regime along with the addition of a portion of the juice that is fermented in barrel with indigenous yeast, adds complexity and a creamy texture to the palate.

Varietal blend: 100% Chardonnay

Appellation: McLaren Vale

pH: 3.3

TA: 5.9

Alcohol: 13.3%

Vineyards: Davey Family Vineyard, McLaren Vale