Chardonnay 2021

Located in the Yarra Valley, northeast of Melbourne in the state of Victoria, the Yarra Yering vineyard benefits from a cool to temperate climate ideal for Burgundy grape varieties. The Chardonnay plots are planted on well-drained slopes composed of gravelly and sandy soils resting on a clay-loam base, which promotes slow ripening and beautiful natural acidity. This hilly terroir, among the oldest in the region, yields precise, elegant, and structured wines that clearly express the influence of the Yarra Valley.

Hand harvested fruit is chilled overnight before whole bunch pressing. The juice is settled in tank before being transferred to French oak barrels; 30% new oak with the balance one to three years old. Fermentation occurs in barrel with a portion of wild yeast. The wine is then matured in these French oak barrels for 10 months with some lees stirring to build texture and complexity before blending and bottling.

This wine reveals notes of green apple , white peach , and citrus , enhanced by elegant touches of white blossom and linden . Subtle nuances of vanilla , toasted hazelnut , and a light smoky oakiness add complexity, supported by a discreet mineral structure. The palate is taut and precise, with vibrant acidity, a creamy texture well integrated with oak aging, and a long, saline, and energetic finish.

Australia began producing wine more than two centuries ago. This has resulted in a country rich in old vines, multigenerational winemaking families, and a deep-rooted knowledge and respect for craftsmanship. Add to this a thirst for exploration and innovation, a fearless attitude, and a diverse portfolio of 65 wine regions across a wide range of climates, and you have the makings of an extraordinary wine nation. Australia burst onto the export scene in the 1980s and has since been offering the world vibrant, fruity, and exceptionally good-value wines. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s, the history of Australian wine was dominated by examples of Shiraz, Grenache, and overly concentrated red blends. Between these two extremes lies the diverse range of high-quality Australian wines and regional wines that has always existed. Australian viticulture is concentrated primarily along the southern coastline where conditions are cooler. There are four main wine regions, each centered around major cities: Western Australia around Perth, South Australia around Adelaide, Victoria around Melbourne, and New South Wales around Sydney. The country is one of the world's largest wine producers and was the fourth-largest exporter in 2011. This recent development has made Australia one of the most prominent countries for the quality of its wines. You can taste Australian wines throughout the country. Each Australian region has its own grape varieties. Australian wines are defined by their grape variety, unlike French wines, which are defined by their terroir.