We aim to make a Chardonnay with great length, which reaches a balance between richness and elegance. While some techniques are borrowed from the Burgundians, there are some departures from traditional practice in response to local factors, which ensures a unique wine. The most notable of these is that our Chardonnay does not undergo malolactic fermentation, as our local climate leaves the fruit with ideal acidity when it is picked. Our Chardonnay is matured in 30% new French oak barriques with the remainder in older barrels and large casks (1500L). The entire production is barrel fermented. Relatively hard pressing is employed to give the wine texture and lees stirring is carried out to add complexity and body. The Chardonnay is matured in barrel for 11 months prior to bottling.
A great and long-lived Mount Mary chardonnay in the making.
A whiff of smoke and struck match, peach, green melon, grapefruit, some lime zest, cashew and cinnamon, chamomile perfume too. It’s a fleshy wine, delivering plenty of Chardonnay flavour, fine chalk powder texture, preserved lemon, some nutty savoury oak flavours, with a bright citrus drizzled finish of excellent length and power.