The Goonawarra Vineyard sits across the road from Craiglee Vineyard in Sunbury. It shares a similar story, with original plantings circa 1860 producing wine until the early 1900's. It was named in 1858 or thereabouts so not a facile attempt to trade upon the name of Coonawarra. In 1982 the vineyard was re-established at a high density of 2m x 1m giving 5000 vines/ha. The soil profile is red basalt, rich in clay, with the Chardonnay site of particular note as it sits on a very steep hill, which naturally reduces vigour and yields.
This wine offers aromas of lemons, yellow grapefruit pith, toasted almonds and flint. The palate is refined and at this stage still quite reserved. The length of the flavour is excellent and well balanced with the acid backbone. It is an elegant Chardonnay that is tightly packed with citrus flavours at the forefront but lots of complexity which is enhanced by the minerality and texture.