2021 saw cooler and wet conditions. Despite the high disease pressure in the vineyard, the Chardonnay fruit was extremely clean and of high quality, but bunch size down by 40% contributing to more elegant fruit profile. Similar to the 2020 vintage, the nose displays soft melon tones with a smooth and lingering finish. 75% Malolactic fermentation and 8 months in French oak. This is our first Chardonnay using our vacuum press, resulting in increased aromatics and overall a more elegant approach.
WINEMAKING
100% handpicked on 16th March 2021. Whole bunch pressed using vacuum press, with overnight juice settling. Inoculated and matured in 20% new oak. Matured on full ferment lees for 8 months. Bottled 08 Dec 2021. Unfined and unfiltered.
Home Block
Steels Gate Vineyard, Chardonnay block. Situated at 230m above sea level, the Chardonnay was planted in the early 1980’s on an undulating, south-west facing slope on friable grey loam soils. Completely unirrigated and hand nurtured. Surrounded by National Park.
Situated at 230m above sea level was planted in the late 1970’s on an undulating slope on friable grey loam soils. Completely non irrigated and hand nurtured, surrounded by National Park. The vines are cared for by hand and the grapes carefully hand picked at the perfect harvest time. This 6+ acres comprises of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.
Steels Gate Melba Block Vineyard
Situated at 150m above sea level was planted in the early 1980s. Similar to the Homeblock, the Melba vines are all cared for by hand, 100% cane pruned to ensure best quality fruit is grown and hand harvested.
Nagambie Vineyard
Nagambie Vineyard is a partnership with a family estate located in the picturesque Nagambie region. Still cool climate, this region produces lovely medium bodies reds and some lovely Rieslings and other similar white varieties.
