This is a flagship, single vineyard Chardonnay (P58 clone) from an estate vineyard planted in 1992 on the southern, lowest, side of Main Ridge, facing north and north-east, and managed by Ten Minutes by Tractor’s own viticultural and winemaking team. The wine is produced from the highest performing blocks of the vineyard from small, carefully-selected parcels to ensure the clearest possible expression of terroir.
Hand-harvested grapes are whole-bunch pressed and the unsettled juice transferred to medium-toast, fine-grained French oak barriques (25% new) for fermentation by indigenous yeasts followed by 100% malolactic fermentation. The wine is matured in the same barrels for 11 months with regular lees stirring, before being bottled filtered but unfined. The Wallis Chardonnay is noted for its energy, creamy texture and a flinty, saline character
"Smoked chicken or chicken stock aromas, creamy yeast lees and tinges of honey. Grapefruit nuances too. The palate is concentrated as well as refined, with spritely acidity. The persistence is impressive."
95 points, The Real Review (May 2019)
"A fresh, lemon and grapefruit nose leads to a palate with pithy intensity and a very direct, taut core of concentrated chardonnay fruit flavors."
93 points, JamesSuckling.com (June 2019)
"Hand-picked, whole-bunch pressed, cloudy juice direct to 600l French and Austrian barrels (15% new), 88% mlf, 10 months maturation, 206 dozen made. Gently smoky oak on the bouquet, then white peach and nectarine flavours dominate the palate, but don't block the freshness all the wines have."
96 points, Wine Companion (February 2019)
"Hand-picked, whole-bunch pressed, cloudy juice direct to 600l French and Austrian barrels (15% new), 88% mlf, 10 months maturation, 206 dozen made. Gently smoky oak on the bouquet, then white peach and nectarine flavours dominate the palate, but don't block the freshness all the wines have."
96 points, Wine Companion (February 2019)
The Mornington Peninsula is located approximately one hour south of Melbourne. A cool maritime climate,the region is virtually frost free, but is susceptible to high winds. Rainfall is moderate, throughout winter and the growing season. Most of the vineyards are located between just above sea level and 200 metres. Soils range from weathered volcanic soils to sandy loams and friable well-drained clays. Mornington Peninsula is best known for making elegant cool climate Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and sublime Pinot Noir.
