Description
"The Chardonnay grapes for the 2023 Aubaine thrived in the cool conditions of the season. Sourced mostly from an east facing Chardonnay block that we manage adjacent to our Merricks North property, the modest crop of 5 tonnes/ha was hand-picked over 2 days (March 10-11) in perfect condition. Chilled overnight, the fruit was then gently whole bunch pressed, with the unclarified juice transferred to a mix of French oak barriques (25% new) for fermentation. Apart from some minimal stirring of lees towards the end of fermentation, the wine was left untouched on gross lees in the same barriques for just over 6 months, prior emptying into tank for settling and then bottling in November.
The aromatics of the 2023 Aubaine are reflective of the cool season, showing a basket full of fresh citrus fruits and floral lift. The palate has a lemon purity to the fruit with a rind like textural grip providing a nice firm structure and integrating nicely with the oak. As you would expect in high quality Chardonnay, there is some lovely fruit weight that fills the mouth with flavours that linger nice and long, carried by some delicate natural acidity." - Winemaker Notes
