Tasting Notes
Region
Garden Vineyard, Hunter Valley
The Story
Four hectares of chardonnay were planted in 1991 on the Garden Vineyard, directly next to our Steven Vineyard. We don’t normally release a single vineyard chardonnay, however the parcel of fruit from the 2019 vintage was exceptional and we wanted to showcase the fruit as its own individual vineyard. It is the purity, intensity, and length of the fruit that distinguishes this wine & cements the Steven vineyard as one of the great historic sites of the Hunter Valley.
The Wine
With its vibrant green hue, this wine’s delicate nose is perfectly balanced with notes of citrus and white stone fruit, with a subtle hint of oak sitting in the background. The palate is medium-bodied and presents vibrant Chardonnay fruit. The mouthfeel is complemented by textural elements derived from the solids ferment and extended time on yeast lees.
The Vintage
Low yields, concentrated bunches, and exceptional fruit profile were the hallmarks of the 2019 vintage. A good growing and picking season resulted in high-quality fruit coming off our vineyards,
The Potential
This wine is drinking very well as a young wine but will continue to improve with 8-15 years further cellaring. Add a six pack to add to your cellar and open one each year to see the development.
The Match
The symbiosis of fruit vibrancy, oak, and textured mouthfeel make this 2019 Garden Vineyard Chardonnay perfect for enjoying on its own or pairing with a delicious meal. Our choice would be chargrilled Balmain bug swimming in herb and garlic butter.
Winemaker
Michael De luliis & Shannon Burgess-Moore
