The fruit was sourced from two sites in the Bridge Pa Triangle area, all clone 15, totally barrel-fermented, 15% given a ‘hot' ferment at 23°C to 14.0% alc, then aged 11 months in 40% new French barriques, none of the wine undergoing MLF. The wine is approaching its plateau of maturity, though showing a straw yellow colour with only light golden hues. Full and voluminous on bouquet, this opens immediately revealing ripe yellow stonefruit and tropical fruit aromas combined with mealy, nutty and spicy elements, all intermingling and integrated. The palate is full-flavoured and shows the same complex amalgam as the nose, with a superb harmony and seamlessness. There is richness with restraint. While there is oak spice and alcohol warmth noticeable, these components are woven into the depth and layering of the wine. This is wonderful Chardonnay, with no edges, drinking superbly now. It should continue on its plateau for another 3-5 years. RC Aug 10

 

Made from Clone 15 from two Bridge Pa vineyards, this was 100% barrel-fermented and aged 11 months in 40% new French oak barriques to 14.0% alc. with no MLF.  Straw yellow in colour, this has ripe melon and citrus fruit aromas with spicy oak on the nose.  The palate is full and concentrated with rich stonefruit flavours alongside oak toast notes.  Seamless in texture and quite lush.  Drinking well now and over the next 3-4 years.    RC May 10