2018 Handpicked Collection Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay 750ml

TASTING NOTES

Layers of citrus and ripe stone fruits with a mineral edge. The wine was fermented and matured in select French oak barrels which adds texture and a touch of creamy depth.

SEASON

There were no major heatwaves in the 2018 season, but it was a warm season overall and the harvest was early. Yields were high, which pleased the accountants but required judicious fruit thinning and careful management for high quality wines. Cool weather and regular rain up until Christmas made a slow start to the season, setting up good ground moisture and vine health. January and February were dry and fairly mild, though the nights were warmer than usual. Fruit reached full ripeness easily and timing of picking was paramount for balancing natural acidity.

WINEMAKING

A blend of clones Mendoza and P58 from Capella Vineyard and fruit from select Mornington Peninsula vineyards. The fruit was pressed in whole bunches and the juice was fermented in French oak barrels. Three was partial wild ferment and partial malolactic fermentation with regular stirring. The wine was matured in the same barrels, a mix of seasoned and new, for 11 months.