2017 LIMITED RELEASE CHARDONNAY
The 2017 Wrattonbully Chardonnay is made from the iconic French ‘Bernard Clones’. This clone is renowned for producing fruit of great complexity and perfume at much lower ripeness levels. Complex aromas of hazelnut, fig and spicy florals. A full bodied generous style of Chardonnay, whilst maintaining elegance and grace. (Head Winemaker, Gwyn Olsen)
Region
Wrattonbully, South Australia
Vintage
Good winter and spring rains were accompanied by cool spring weather which led to a late budburst. The soil moisture produced good early season growth but flowering and then veraison were both late following on from the late budburst. Ripening occurred in relatively cool conditions leading to the latest harvest for many years. Pinot Gris and Chardonnay were picked in late March with good acid balance and flavour. Early indications are for wines of excellent quality and balance for Vintage 2017.
Vineyard
Wrattonbully is located in the Limestone Coast wine zone. The prominent viticultural feature of the area is the series of ancient beach ridges and dunes which run roughly north-south through the area. These ridges are made up of soft crumbly limestone which weathers to produce the red and brown Terra Rossa clay loam soils so highly prized for grape growing. The ridges and dunes have elevations of up to 30m compared with the neighbouring regions to the south with a Terra Rossa 'high' of less than 5m. The extra elevation on the Wrattonbully dunes produce the advantage of cold air drainage which reduces the risk of frost during the growing season.
Winemaking
The grapes were picked at flavour ripeness and de-juiced. The juice was allowed to settle before being racked. 70% of this wine was fermented in stainless steel to retain the vibrant fruit purity whilst 30% was fermented in oak to add richness and texture. The resulting wine was then blended and prepared for bottling.