2017 Geelong Chardonnay

Agglomerated-cork closure. The Geelong subregion of Victoria has a cool climate with maritime influences. The three acres of By Farr Chardonnay vineyards were planted in 1994 and are at an elevation of 120 m on a north-east-facing slope with red soil over limestone. A variety of viticultural techniques are used, from cover cropping and mulching, eliminating herbicides and conserving moisture, to only using organic sprays on the vines. The clones used for the Chardonnay are a mixture of Dijon clones and Penfolds 58. Fruit was hand-picked then whole-bunch pressed. The solids were chilled before being put into barrel, 35% of which was new French oak. A natural fermentation occurred over the next two to three weeks at low temperatures. Once fermentation had finished, a small amount of stirring helped start malolactic conversion, which finished by mid spring. The wine was then racked, fined and lightly filtered before bottling. Vegan. TA 6.7 g/l, pH 3.51, RS 1.2 g/l. Subtle but intense stony-citrus aroma, with plenty of fruit as well as a salty note and a mealy character from the oak/lees. On the palate, this is rich and spicy. No lack of freshness but a generous wine, full bodied with core freshness. Very spicy on the palate. Full-flavoured yet without excess. Very moreish and mouth-watering finish. (JH)