Vineyard

Chardonnay for the 2011 Medici Ridge vintage was sourced from the Southwest regions of Manjimup and Blackwood Valley.  The Manjimup vineyard follows organic principals, is non-irrigated and planted in gravely free-drainage soils to the mandoza clone. The Nannup vineyard is one of the highest in the region with sweeping views over the Blackwood Valley and is planted predominantly with the Dijon clone.

Harvest

A warm spell in late February brought harvest dates forward with the Nannup fruit hand-harvested in February 2011 and the Manjimup fruit similarly harvested in March 2011.

Winemaking

Fruit from Manjimup was whole bunch pressed directly into new French barrels. There was no cold settling or racking. The juice was allowed to begin fermentation naturally with full solids. Following fermentation the wine was stirred daily for six weeks to build mid palate structure and malolactic fermentation was discouraged. The Nannup fruit was fermented in stainless steel with conventional yeasts stirred following fermentation. The two components were then blended prior to bottling.

Winemaker's Notes

This represents a continuing development in our chardonnay style exclusively using south west fruit. A fresh, cool climate style, the use of new oak has added complexity to this stylish and contemporary chardonnay.

Nose
The bouquet exhibits hints of peach and citrus and subtle cashew nut and lees characters enhanced by delicate oak use.

Palate
The palate is fresh and lively reflecting quality cool-climate vineyards. Honeydew melon and stone-fruit flavours are evident as a young wine which will develop toasty characters as the wine matures.

Food
Ideally suited to fresh shell-fish and grilled seafood or lightly sauced white meats.

Cellaring
Inviting now, the wine will develop further complexity with careful cellaring in the medium-term (2-4 years).

Critical acclaim

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