2023 Goonawarra Vineyard Chardonnay 750mL

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.
Hand picked in late March, then whole bunch pressed and transferred to tank. At this stage there is a small sulphur dioxide addition. Once the grape juice is starting to ferment (about 4 days) we transfer it to a mixture of French oak barrels (25% new oak). The wine remains on lees in barrel for 12 months being topped regularly before being racked to tank for 4 months to settle and clarify in the cold winter months. Prior to bottling there is another sulphur dioxide addition. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.