Vineyard
The Maritime influences at The Tuarts Vineyard Carabooda, have contributed in producing a full flavoured but elegant Chardonnay. Ideally situated 50kms north of Perth and 6kms from the Indian Ocean the maritime conditions provide cool afternoon sea breezes in the warmer months. The soil type is light red to grey Tuart sands over limestone. Planted in 1980, the vineyard is spur-pruned and hand-harvested with low yields at 1.5 tonnes per acre.

Harvest
Chardonnay fruit was hand-harvested between the 19th and 22nd February, 2005 with baumes ranging from 13.5 to 14.0 Be. We look for ripe full flavoured, lively acid and fruit with a delicate hint of golden berries.

Winemaking
Fruit was whole bunch pressed resulting in low phenolic juice, then cold-settled and fermented in stainless steel, with a small portion completing fermentation in new French oak. Regular stirring was applied to impart subtle lees characters in the wine. The barrel and tank portions were then blended together after 6 months with minimal fining and filtration applied to capture the true chardonnay flavour nuances.

Winemaker's Notes
Early February rains delayed harvest until full flavour ripeness occurred. A generous and rich Chardonnay, the bouquet exhibits hints of citrus, enhanced by delicate French oak and lees characters. The palate is fresh and lively which is a direct result of the Tuart soils.

Nose
The bouquet exhibits hints of citrus, enhanced by delicate French oak and lees characters.

Palate
Honeydew melon and stone-fruit flavours are evident as a young wine which will develop into honey and toast characters as the wine matures.

Food
Ideally suited to fresh shell-fish & seafood, gently grilled fish fillets or lightly sauced white meats.

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

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