Eden Road Tumbarumba Chardonnay 2022

Description

There have been big changes 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.

Eden Road’s flagship Chardonnay.  About the 2022 by the winemaker:  “The grapes are sourced from the Johansen and Courabyra vineyards located in the Tumbarumba region, ranging from 750m to 850m ASL. All grown on decomposed volcanic soils with basalt. The winemaking is kept rather simple in order to express the high country and granitic soil origins of the fruit. After careful selection the fruit was handpicked, pressed directly to French oak barriques for an alcoholic fermentation with a selected yeast. 40% malolactic fermentation occurred. The wine was then matured on full lees in oak, for 8 months and stirred on a monthly basis. This wine is vegan friendly.

“Pale yellow colour with green hues. Stonefruit, brioche and butterscotch aromas in harmony with vanilla and butterscotch notes from French new oak puncheons (25%). The palate is concentrated, mineral, creamy and long due to a perfect natural acidity.”

93 points, Jane Faulkner for James Halliday Wine Companion “This weaves between tight and rich, flavoursome and citrusy, tangy and creamy – there’s a lot going on. It’s zesty, juicy and bright with loads of acidity in the driver’s seat, but all the flavours fall into line. Refreshing, definitely.“

RRP $47   Our Price $39.99

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