Warramate Chardonnay 2018

Description

Second label of Yarra Yering made by Sarah Crowe, James Halliday’s 2017 Winemaker of the Year.

The Warramate vineyard was first planted in 1969 on a spectacular north-facing slope overlooking the central Yarra Valley. The site adjoins the Yarra Yering vineyard located above. On the other side of Maddens Lane, there is Yeringberg and Mount Mary. Pedigree in spades here in the Yarra Valley’s finest dirt.

Whole bunch pressed to extract the purest Chardonnay juice then fermented on some light solids which lend weight, texture and ultimately complexity. Some of the individual clones only in barrel for fermentation before transfer to stainless steel tank to keep the wine bright and focused. For this reason no malolactic fermentation was initiated either. Only French oak is used with 20% being new barrels, the balance a mixture of older barrels, maturation time 10 months before bottling.

Bright lemon citrus peel and orange blossom restrained by a sea spray minerality. A predominantly crunchy grapefruit tang with weight of passionfruit while the saline moorish edge from the regional acidity keeping it focused and long.

Enjoy now or cellar up to 5 years.  Alc 12.5%.

94 points, James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2020 “50% unknown old clone, hand-picked, whole-bunch pressed, 75% barrel-fermented, 25% fermented in tank, matured for 10 months in French oak (10% new). Made under tight control, and its best is yet to come. Just be sure to savour the finish and aftertaste.”

RRP $36   SPECIAL 6 PACK BUY .. $27.99 when you buy 6.