Willow Bridge G1-10 Chardonnay
Pale colour, aromatic nashi pear, lemon and white scented flowers with a fragrant light toast. A precise palate of harmonious oak teamed with grapefruit pith and white fleshed fruit. Long , textural and clean. The season for the Geographe wine region was cool and dry. The five months until the end of January had yielded little rain, about 70mm less than the same period last year The cooler weather also disrupted flowering and fruit set resulting in much smaller bunch sizes and high incidence of hen and chicken, especially in Chardonnay. The January 2019 average temperature of 21.3 was two degrees Celsius lower than the 23.3 of 2016. Ideal weather for stunning white wines.A combination of hand picked, whole bunch pressed and machine harvested fruit, allowed to proceed directly to ferment with wild and cultured yeast in French oak barriques. After fermentation, the wine is assessed for fruit purity and lees complexity, and winemaking is then tailor made on a barrel by barrel basis, with each having its own identity. Two hours south of Perth in the Ferguson Valley sub-region of Geographe is where youll find Willow Bridge Estate. Jeff and Vicki Dewar bought the vineyard in 1996 and enlisted the expertise of Kim Horton and Dougal Herd to create premium wines that are exceptional value for money. In 1997 they planted 100 acres of wine grapes and held their breath. Then another 50 acres were planted in 1998, making Willow Bridge the biggest planting in what was then a largely unknown region. The vineyard is sited high on the western watershed of the Darling Ranges, with the vines enjoying spectacular views over the coastal plain, and across the waters of Geographe Bay to Cape Naturaliste. The vineyard is 25km from the coast as the crow flies, and receives the cooling afternoon sea breeze during summer. At an elevation between 230 and 280 meters, the estate is generally two degrees or more cooler than the coastal plain, with ripening times similar to the cool southern parts of the neighbouring Margaret River wine region.
Swinney Frankland River Riesling
This dazzling riff on Frankland River Riesling is drawn from hand-selected fruit from two of Swinney’s oldest blocks. Vibrant kumquat and mandarin orange aromas with a touch of basil. Sleek, crisp and focused with tons of stony energy driving the long, precise finish.
Flametree Chardonnay
Flametree are nestled in the picturesque Margaret River wine region where they continue to be surrounded by a buzz and excitement centred on the quality wine they are producing. Attention to detail is paramount in the winery where careful site, clonal and oak selections are made to produce exceptional Chardonnay's like this one. Characters of dried pears, grapefruit, melon and fig are balanced with searing acidity and a length of flavour that speaks to its promising future.
Dog Point Chardonnay
Dog Point from Marlborough in New Zealand have quickly established themselves as quality Marlborough producers with their range of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. This Chardonnay has lovely texture due to lees stirring and balanced oak influence. Hints of citrus still remain to produce a Chardonnay of versatility.
Lightfoot & Sons Chardonnay
Lightfoot & Sons Myrtle Point Vineyard is located in East Gippsland, Victoria, within view of the Gippsland Lakes. The 29Ha vineyard was planted between 1995-1997 by the Lightfoot family on their farm Myrtle Point. This Single Block Chardonnay was made from an outstanding parcel of fruit identified in Block 2 within the Lightfoot & Sons Myrtle Point Vineyard. The Block 2 Chardonnay develops exceptional concentration of flavour while retaining acidity. 100% Barrel fermentation with wild yeast resulted in a wine of great complexity, depth and texture.
Giant Steps Yarra Valley Chardonnay
Evans & Tate Redbrook Estate Chardonnay
Light gold, with a fresh, green rim. Stonefruit, pear and citrus notes and seductive fresh toast, dried herbs and malty aromas from barrel fermentation. Palate Remarkable fruit sweetness, intensity and persistence, matched with lovely texture and savoury elements and balanced by fresh, natural acidity. A prolonged cool and wet growing season meant the vines were lush and healthy heading into ripening. This resulted in later harvest dates, accentuated by the cool and wet ripening months; conditions not experienced in Western Australia for more than 10 years. These conditions, coupled with the absence of heat events, produced highly aromatic whites with good natural acidity. The fruit was selectively handpicked at perfect ripeness, before being loaded into an airbag press and gently squeezed. The free-run juice was continuously tasted until an optimum point was reached. The juice underwent wild fermentation in new French oak puncheons, then remained in barrel for 7-10 months, with monthly lees stirring to provide texture and mouthfeel. Each batch was carefully assessed for inclusion in the final blend. This minimal handling has produced a unique, delicate Redbrook Chardonnay style that will develop great complexity over time.
Howard Park Methodé Traditionelle Blanc de Blanc Non-Vintage
The awesomely scenic and wildly remote wine regions of West Australia produces fine and elegant Chardonnay grapes for the Howard Park Methode Traditionelle Blanc de Blanc. Pale gold in colour with notes of citrus zest, peach, and freshly baked macaroons. The fine mousse of the palate captures bright flavours of citrus, red berries and baked apple. Time on yeast lees has added creamy lemon curd and subtle wafer biscuit layers of flavour and texture. A wine rich and full of flavour balanced by a fine and gently lingering acidity.
Howard Park 'Terroir' Margaret River Chardonnay
The palate exudes fleshy primary fruits, layered with nutmeal, lemon butter and brioche. A chalky, mineral texture and fresh citrus acidity continues the bounce.