'Two Beat Trot' Chardonnay 2022

We chose grapes from Clone 95 for our first still Chardonnay; a Burgundian clone well regarded globally for producing fine still wines, generously endowed with true varietal characteristics. Both our Viticulturist and Winemaker knew that, if allowed to ripen fully in our cool climate with its long growing season, Clone 95 could create a structured wine with depth and a complex finish. This Chardonnay has aromas of ripe melon, bergamot and apricot, a rich palate of butter and citrus marmalade, and a savoury toast-crunch finish. Balanced, complex and delicious.

Block 7 is a warm part of the vineyard with sandy and rocky soil, where the vines have less access to water and nutrients than in other blocks.

Vines in Block 7 in the centre of the vineyard were chosen for our first Chardonnay. The vines are closely planted (5,000 vines per hectare) in soil with a distinctly sandy and rocky profile. This regulates canopy growth, lessening growth of both shoots and fruit. Lighter crops, from well ventilated, less vigorous canopies, enabled us to ripen the grapes to the desired quality level with minimal canopy intervention.

The grapes were left on the vine as late as possible to maximise ripeness and, when pressed, underwent spontaneous fermentation in a combination of new and seasoned French barriques.

The wine went through 100% malolactic fermentation and stayed in barrel for 10 months. Hot and cold stabilised, and cross-flow filtered before bottling.