Description
There are big changes afoot at this Murrumbateman-based producer A new ownership structure with a commitment to do whatever it takes to progress, a new highly trained winemaker, and the plans to plant additional vineyards in an outstanding site (right next door to Clonakilla) Add this to the existing strengths of this producer – including a mature Syrah vineyard (on the same site as the upcoming plantings) and access to an array of quality Canberra and NSW high country vineyards – and the future certainly looks bright for Eden Road.
The new winemaker is Celine Rousseau. Rousseau was the founding winemaker and manager at Chalkers Crossing, where over a period of 17 years she developed a strong understanding and passion for the high country of NSW and its unique, cool climate vineyards and wines. She had already made a number of wines from the very vineyards from which Eden Road source, which has allowed her to hit the ground running. Before leaving France, Rousseau cut her winemaking teeth in Bordeaux and Champagne, working with the likes of Château Suduiraut and Château Pichon Baron. Rousseau still works two vintages a year, one in France and one in the Canberra district. Indeed, before joining Eden Road, Rousseau was being courted by several wine companies in Europe. In the end, Rousseau’s love of Australia won the day.
Eden Road is supposed to suggest an ideal (as in the Garden of Eden), not a place.
New 2018 vintage is here
The blend for this generous yet mouth-watering Chardonnay can change according to season. In 2016 it was a blend of two Tumbarumba vineyards that have long been associated with the Chardonnay wines of Eden Road: Courabyra and Maragle. The Maragle fruit is grown at 410 metres above sea level in a vineyard bathed twice daily by cool mountain breezes. The fruit here provides texture and intensity whilst the fruit from Courabyra (730 metres above sea level) gives the wines backbone, freshness and drive. The 2016 is a blend of 75% Maragle and 25% Courabyra, with roughly 60% of the former fermented and raised for ten months in used barrel on full lees, while all the Courabyra Chardonnay was raised in tank. The final blend ends up being around 60% malolactic. The 2016 offers a lifted and complex nose leading to a creamy textured palate with layers of pulpy fruit nicely balanced by some racy, citrus-fresh cut. Excellent depth and drive, this is extremely classy for its price point.
RRP $30 Our Price $26.99
